February 2019 e-newsletter
Dear Zonta members and friends,

As I am preparing for statements, presentations and meetings at the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63), I am excited to share that not only three other Board members, but Zontians from 23 districts around the world, will join me in New York City from 10 March through 16 March. I am particularly happy that, for the first time ever, we will also welcome a Young Women in Public Affairs awardee as a Zonta Youth Observer.

A special focus of our communications at CSW will be on ending child marriage, our biggest project in our Centennial Anniversary Biennium.

Please read more below and watch out for news about our CSW activities.

Cordially,
Susanne von Bassewitz 
International President
Amazing things can happen when girls are empowered to say NO to child marriage
When she was 15, Chipasha dropped out of school to get married to a man 20 years older than her. Like many girls in this situation, she was vulnerable and exposed to violence.

When she started visiting a safe space supported by the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage, Chipasha was able to find a way out. Now, she is a girls' advocate in Zambia.

Zambia is just one of the countries where this program works to end child marriage and Chipasha is just one of the many girls that have been supported and empowered so far. Read more stories like Chipasha's through UNFPA's recent #IDONT campaign.
Let Us Learn participant raises awareness of child marriage through video competition

As part of the Let Us Learn program in Madagascar, young people produced short films through a video workshop. The videos were then submitted to a film competition. Christella Razanamalala was recognized for her film focusing on child marriage in Madagascar.
Meet Aysha Emmerson, Zonta's first-ever Youth Observer to the CSW

Aysha Emmerson , a 2018 Young Women in Public Affairs awardee, will participate in events and share her experiences and observations as a Zonta Youth Observer via Zonta International's website and social media channels. Aysha will also have the opportunity to provide a youth perspective as a panelist for a joint event with UNICEF USA. On this occasion, the participants will discuss how innovation, social protection and capacity building will create a sustainable impact for girls.
Apply Now: Deadline for Centennial Anniversary Grants approaching

The application deadline for the Centennial Anniversary Grants, a program intended to encourage collaboration with like-minded organizations and increase Zonta's visibility at the local level, is less than two months away. Applications will be accepted through 31 March 2019. So far, 61 completed applications have been received.

Clubs can apply for a maximum of US$5,000 to be used to support a project with a partnering organization. Each project and the benefiting organization must meet strict criteria and be nominated by a Zonta club.
Honor someone special this International Women's Day

Each year on 8 March, Zonta recognizes International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day.

As a way to recognize extraordinary women, the day serves as an opportunity to reflect on past success and call for future action. Through the Zonta International Foundation, members are able to honor special people in their lives by making a tribute donation to the Foundation's Rose Fund.
Empowering women and girls through local service
Service is key to empowering women and girls around the world. Each day, Zonta club members work to uphold this important pillar of Zonta's mission by hosting and participating in service projects in their local communities. Share information on your service projects during Zonta's Centennial Anniversary Biennium by clicking the link below.
Follow Zonta on social media for more inspirational quotes from incredible women.
Zontians in Action

Every month, we highlight the incredible service, advocacy and membership initiatives of Zonta clubs around the world. Share Your Story  through our website and tag your social media posts with #ZontiansInAction.
Zonta Club of Cebu II

In the news: The Zonta Club of Cebu II, District 17, recently co-hosted "He Versus She: Redefining the Meaning of Gender," a symposium that featured four speakers who discussed topics related to violence against women.