Advocacy

Zonta and its clubs advocate on a variety of issues related to gender equality and women’s empowerment

Zonta International Advocacy Policy

Zontians are urged to express themselves about and become involved in issues that:

Improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women

Advance understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions

Promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

What is advocacy?

A useful definition is to plead the cause of another, but advocacy means many different things to different people. Zonta International defines advocacy as: ...

"Expression of support for or opposition to a cause, argument or proposal. Advocacy may include influencing laws, legislation or attitudes. Zonta advocacy is an action taken in the public interest or for the greater good with respect to advancing the status of women and girls and their human rights."

Gender equality is a crucial issue that affects every individual in our society. It is important because it ensures that all individuals have the same opportunities and rights regardless of their gender. Gender equality ensures that everyone has access to education, healthcare, employment, and leadership positions without any discrimination.

The Global Gender Gap Report 2022 estimates it could take 132 years to reach gender equality

The UN sustainability goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. At Zonta, we work towards this goal by advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls, providing education and training opportunities, and supporting programs that promote women's economic independence and leadership. We believe that achieving gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

How do we advocate?

We Act. Zontians are encouraged to support legislation that advances the:

Objects and resolutions of Zonta International;
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;
CEDAW—the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women;
The Sustainable Development Goals; and
The UN and Council of Europe Conventions.

We collaborate. We seek to cooperate with other like-minded organisations or individuals to raise awareness of issues—and the actions we must initiate to effect positive change.

We educate. Where possible, we work with other organisations to educate people and ourselves about women’s issues and how to effect change.

We are balanced. Every effort should be made to present a well-balanced presentation of facts and viewpoints.

We are autonomous. We remain autonomous in our advocacy. We do not endorse a political candidate or party or any religious denomination. We endorse qualified individuals for non-partisan positions.