New Zealand Woman to Lead International Service Organisation

New Zealand Woman to Lead International Service Organisation

Next Thursday in Torino, Italy, Lynn McKenzie, will be installed as the President of Zonta International, the first New Zealander to achieve this office.

“I feel so honoured to be given this opportunity,” says Lynn. “This is about making a difference to the lives of other women, making a contribution. Being able to do that is a complete privilege.”

Founded in 1919, Zonta is an international service organization that works to advance the status of women. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 63 countries, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta's mission and objectives. During the 2010-2012 biennium, Zonta contributed more than $2 million to international projects and since 1923, has provided more than NZ$12 million to projects benefiting more than 2 million women in 37 countries.

“Having seen first-hand some of our Zonta projects, I am very proud to be able to make a contribution. As well as New Zealand projects, our international projects such as working with UNICEF in Rwanda to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV, our safe cities for women programmes in Guatemala City and San Salvador and our work with women suffering from obstetric fistula in Liberia are making a significant and practical difference in the lives of women.”

Zonta’s internationalism provides the vehicle for its members to support the development of women in parts of the world where women and girls do not enjoy the same benefits and access to basic human rights as men, such as in health, education and safety. Zonta works to improve the life chances of women and girls.

“It’s not about me” says Lynn. “It’s about what I can help Zonta do to make the world a better place for women and their families.”

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