Global Update
Zonta projects support women and girls through challenging times for gender equality
Over the last two years, Zonta International has proudly supported four international service projects in partnership with UNICEF USA and UNFPA. Through contributions from our generous donors, we are empowering women and girls in Peru, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Madagascar and 12 additional countries in Africa and Asia. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated just how essential support from organizations like Zonta International is needed to address the challenges to gender equality. According to UN Women, domestic violence reports and emergency calls rose more than 25% in some countries after social distancing measures were enacted. In places like Yemen, where people have suffered for years from the impacts of war, severely weakened hospitals and health care systems left women and children to rely on humanitarian aid and put them at highest risk of infection. By the end of March 2020, it has been estimated that more than 89% of the world’s students were out of school due to pandemic-related closures. Young women and girls living in poverty, with disabilities or in isolated locations were more likely to be removed from school first to compensate for increased care and domestic work at home. Though Zonta’s current international service projects were planned before the pandemic began, the crisis has underscored the urgent need for financial investments that support women and girls. Read on to find out how our impact has been measured.
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THE ZONTIAN • MAY 2022
