Dianne Curtis, local Zontian, was installed as Zonta International (ZI) President at the Convention held in San Antonio, Texas from June 24 through June 30 2010; 1370 members were in attendance representing 31,000 members from 1,200 clubs in 66 countries. Dianne will preside for the next two years – through June, 2012.
ZI service projects seek to improve the legal, political, economic, educational and/or health status of women in developing countries or those in transition. Current projects, in cooperation with the United Nations (UN), include the following: Work to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and gender-based violence in Rwanda; Eliminate Obstetric Fistula and reduction of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in Liberia; Safe cities for women in Guatemala City and San Salvador to reduce gender based violence; ZI and the UN both contribute funds to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls by changing personal and/or political knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that contribute to violence against women. Two new projects were approved: A comprehensive strategy to end burns violence against women in Cambodia, Nepal and Uganda, a form of acid or corrosive substance thrown on victims and Security and empowerment for women and families in Haiti ensuring a gender-responsive humanitarian and early recovery response.
July 2, 2010, The UN General Assembly created a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. The establishment of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women—to be known as UN Women—brings together resources and mandates for programs and strategies to empower women and gender equality. This entity combines the Advancement of Women (DAW-1946), International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW-1976), Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI-1997), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM-1976). ZI will continue to partner as a Non-Government Organization.
ZI offers education and leadership development programs through fellowships, scholarships and awards offered at the International level. The Amelia Earhart Fellowship, Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship, and Young Women in Public Affairs Awards offer monetary assistance and recognition for women pursuing their education and are embraced by the Santa Clarita Valley Club (SCV).
SCV Zontians are committed to support Dianne and her goals during her two-year term as ZI leader and embrace Zonta’s mission—to improve the status of women locally and worldwide.
For information about Zonta, contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172.