Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra Inc

The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra Inc is a prominent Australian nonprofit organization and the oldest Zonta Club in Australia. It is dedicated to empowering women and girls through service, advocacy, and support initiatives both locally and internationally. As part of the global Zonta International network, the club focuses on improving the lives of women through education, awareness, and community engagement.

Mission and Activities

The club's mission centers on advancing the status of women by providing support primarily through awards and advocacy rather than direct financial aid. It is a vibrant and sociable group of women who collaborate on various projects designed to empower women and promote gender equality.

Key Initiatives

• Support through Awards: The club offers recognition and encouragement to women excelling in various fields, helping to foster their advancement and leadership opportunities.

• Advocacy and Forums: The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra regularly hosts forums and events addressing critical issues affecting women worldwide. Notably, it has organized discussions on the plight of women in Iran and Afghanistan, raising awareness and funds to assist affected communities. For instance, during a forum on women in Iran, more than 100 attendees gathered to support women's rights, raising nearly AUS$2,000 for overseas projects. These events emphasize global solidarity and highlight the shared challenges faced by women everywhere.

• Support for Education: Aligning with Zonta International's mission to promote literacy and education, the club has focused on helping women and girls from non-English-speaking backgrounds and advocating against barriers such as restrictions on education and employment in regions like Afghanistan.

• Honouring Indigenous Women: The club also celebrates and honours First Nations women in Australia, highlighting their stories, successes, and contributions to society, fostering respect and recognition for Indigenous achievements.

Impact and Community Engagement

The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering women by facilitating meaningful dialogue, supporting education and leadership, and promoting global awareness of women's rights issues. The club's efforts have empowered both local and international communities, inspiring hope and positive change through education and advocacy.

Organizational Details

The club operates under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 75413093525RR0001 and maintains an online presence to share its mission and activities within the community it serves.

This organization exemplifies grassroots activism in advancing women's rights and continues to build a better world for women and girls both in Australia and globally.

[1] http://zontamelbourneonyarra.org.au/wp1/ [2] https://zontamelbourneonyarra.org.au/wp1/about-our-club/ [3] https://www.zonta.org/Web/Web/Programs/Mission_in_Action/Share_Your_Story/MelbourneOnYarraForumWomenAfghanistanIranFridayNightSchool.aspx [4] https://www.zonta.org/Web/Web/Programs/Mission_in_Action/Share_Your_Story/ZontaClubofMelbourneonYarraInc.honorsFirstNationswomen.aspx [5] https://zontaspacecoast.org