Governor’s letters

The convention is already a few weeks behind us and many of you who were there came home with different feelings. On the one hand, with incredible motivation and indescribable passion for women’s advocacy, and some others also with Covid. I hope that those who have also fallen ill have recovered well and will stand up for Zonta stronger than ever. I am sure we are all ready for the great challenges that await us in the current biennium, and I am happy to be part of the team that is facing them.

To see a summary of what was approved at the convention in Hamburg: please click HERE .

Now, I would like to introduce you to my team, which will be happy to answer all your questions. Please contact them directly if you have any questions. Please find here all contacts.

The status of women worldwide

Further I would like to give you an overview of the current status of women worldwide. Let’s look back. 132 years. Why exactly this far? I will explain.

In 1890, the world was a different place. In many countries of the world, women were not allowed to study, marital rape was not punishable. Not in a single country, women were allowed to vote.

Much has happened since then. Governments in the Western world now recognise people as equal before the law, women hold offices and leadership positions, and have ways to defend themselves against harassment. Still, it could take another 132 years before they are fully equal to men. At least this is the conclusion of the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum.

In this year’s, 2022, study on gender equality, the Forum is much more pessimistic about the future than it was two years ago. In 2020, the report predicted that it would take 99.5 years to achieve full gender equality.

One event set the project back a generation: the Corona pandemic. The lockdowns and the Corona measures have significantly worsened the already existing gender gaps. For example, a disproportionate number of women work in those specific sectors of the economy, which were affected most by the lockdowns. In addition, school closures meant that many women could not work because they had to take care of their children.

So, now one thing is clear. Our commitment is needed more than ever. Together with our new President Ute Scholz, we will take on these challenges. I thank all of you for your commitment and look forward to a fruitful biennium.

Just as a reminder: The 2022-2024 goals

Some dates are important for all of us:

18^th of August 2022 NEW MEMBER WEBINAR (monthly)

Are you new to Zonta? Join the Zonta Headquarters Membership Team on this webinar and let us welcome you. We will provide you with the history of Zonta, the programs we support, resources available to you, and an opportunity to meet with a member of the International Membership Committee.

November 2022 “Every Member Every November” to support the Zonta International Foundation for Women personally

“ZONTA Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.

Zontians will elevate awareness in their home cities during the 16 Days of Activism from 25^th of November through 10^th of December 2022. Our goal is that 100% of our clubs and individuals participate in an action to combat gender-based violence, which may include taking part in the Orange the World effort, over the 16 Days of Activism.

If it is not possible to light up buildings in orange this year due to the energy crisis, please give me ideas and suggestions on how we can still create visibility.