Zonta International is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization that advocates for women’s rights, gender equality, and safety, specifically focusing on ending violence against women, supporting education, and empowering women in leadership. Zonta USA encourages its members to engage in advocacy by speaking to policies rather than parties, ensuring a balanced viewpoint. Join us to be the change!
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), first passed in 1994, is a landmark federal law providing critical protections, services, and legal rights to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It allows victims to self-petition for lawful permanent residency without their abuser’s knowledge and provides specialized housing protections in federally subsidized housing.VAWA is reauthorized periodically, with the most recent, strengthened version passed in 2022 to improve survivor access to services and justice.f you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) or visit their website.
Ending Child Marriage has been prioritized by the Zonta USA Caucus as one of the most urgent advocacy issues. Although the practice may seem a distant problem, there is no federal law banning child marriage and it remains legal in 34 U.S. states with the total number of girls being wed unknown. Through persistent advocacy, education, and partnerships, the Caucus has raised awareness across local communities and influenced legislative reform. Their efforts have already contributed to ending child marriage in 16 states, two U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, creating meaningful protections for girls. Yet the work continues until child marriage ends in all 50 states.
70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). This annual summit is the largest worldwide gathering on women’s rights and is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; and Zonta was there, in the heart of it all.