The Zontian January 2008, Issue Seven

Membership Voiceof Zonta International

2006-2008 Biennial Issue Seven • January 2008

The ZontianAdvancing the Status of Women Worldwide

Women in Business

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IN THIS ISSUEFEATURES

5 Women in Business7 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Recipients

14 2008 – 2011 Slate of Candidates

DEPARTMENTS3 President’s Message4 Foundation President’s Message8 Zonta Programs: International Service9 The World of Zontian Giving

10 Zonta International and the United Nations11 Status of Women Service12 Membership13 Zonta Action15 Convention 2008: Rotterdam

World Headquarters557 West Randolph StreetChicago, Illinois 60661 USATelephone: +1 312-930-5848Fax: +1 312-930-0951www.zonta.org

Janet Halstead, Executive DirectorCathe Wood, Director of Development and CommunicationsTheresa Reynolds, Communications Manager

The Zontian (ISSN 0279-3229) is published quarterly by Zonta International. As Zonta International’s official publication, this magazine carries authorizedarticles regarding the organization’s programs and activities. No responsibility is assumed for opinions of other authors. Annual subscription rate: US$8.50(USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland); US$17 (individual airmail outside USA). Publication office address listed above.Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois USA and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Zontian, Zonta International,557 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 USA.

The

Zontian2006-2008 Biennial Issue Seven • January 2008Volume 88 • Number 4

DID YOU KNOW . . .

7

Payment receivedbefore 1 April 2008

EUR 350

Payment received from1 April – 31 May 2008

EUR 425

Payment received after 15 June 2008 and onsiteEUR 475

13

8

2008 Zonta International Convention RegistrationRegister early for the 2008 Zonta International Convention in Rotterdamand take advantage of early registration fees:

For more information, or to register, visit www.zonta2008.com.

IMPORTANT ERRATUM to the Call to Convention,Rotterdam 2008 ConventionPlease note: In the printed copy of the Call to Convention included in Issue 6 of The Zontian, on page 21, in the hotel registration paymentdetails, there is an error in the IBAN number for remitting bank transfers.The correct IBAN number on this page should be: NL24ABNA0567051943On page 17, in the Payments information, the IBAN number is correct. The BIC code is correct on both pages 17 and 21: ABNANL2A.This information on both Web sites, www.zonta2008.com andwww.zonta.org, is correct.

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www.zonta.org 2006-2008 BIENNIAL ISSUE SEVEN 3

Olivia Ferry

“...the sphere and

impact of Zonta’s local

work, along with our

global initiatives,

reflect a significant and

powerful manifestation

of Zonta’s over-all

support for women’s

empowerment and

gender equality.”

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

My Fellow Zontians:

The District Governor Reports for the October 2007 Zonta International Boardmeeting offered useful and important information on the progress of each cluband indicators of Zonta’s over-all achievement of goals. I take special note of the numerous advocacy work undertaken by the large majority of districts insupport of Zonta’s position on anti-trafficking in human persons especiallywomen and girls. It demonstrates our collective strength and influence on anissue we have keenly pursued this biennium under ZISVAW.

On page 11, you will find our latest update on the extent of local service and fundraising support extended by Zontians to local communities around theworld. While only a fraction of the clubs reported, we nevertheless can proudlyproclaim that the sphere and impact of Zonta’s local work, along with our globalinitiatives, reflect a significant and powerful manifestation of Zonta’s over-allsupport for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

There are two things I hope you would focus on in the next few months untilthe end of this biennium: (a) Help reverse the downward trend in our member-ship growth by recording a net gain of at least one new member this biennium.(b) Be sure to charter all new clubs under formation before the close of the biennium. To date, we have disbanded 40 clubs and formed 21 new clubs. If we double our effort and aim for a net gain of even one new club this bien-nium, then accelerate that growth in the future, we can stem the downhill tidein club growth.

Preparations for the Rotterdam Convention have reached fever pitch with just about six months to go before Zontians from around the world converge to tackle Zonta business with great passion and commitment from 27 June to 2 July 2008. All you need to know about the Convention is in the Call toConvention (see issue 6 of The Zontian or visit www.zonta.org). Nevertheless, be sure to check the ZI and Convention Web sites for updating news on theConvention. I am pleased to inform you that Zonta districts from around theworld are working on a raffle to give you a chance to win treasures from aroundthe 31 Zonta districts. Money raised from this raffle will partly go to ZIF andpartly back to the clubs in the form of donations to “lucky” local service projects. Also, Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary General and ExecutiveSecretary of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific, has acceptedthe award of International Honorary Membership in Zonta. If we are lucky, she may be with us in Rotterdam to accept her membership during a plenarysession, and will address the assembly. Some points to remember: (a) Avail your-self of the early registration fee by registering before 1 April 2008. (b) Reserveyour hotel room before 15 March to be guaranteed a room of your choice. (c) If you wish to join us at any of the sponsored Convention events, be sure to register early as seats are limited. (d) For those who need a visa to go toRotterdam, apply now.

Our special topic for this issue is Women in Business. The best years of mycareer life were spent working as a senior corporate executive of a global information and consultancy company, where I found the inspiration and therenewal necessary for tackling the difficult organizational and leadership challenges of my professional career. IMS Health, Inc. demanded much from its senior managers, but its organizational culture supported opportunities forwomen’s advancement in the workplace through strategies that attracted andleveraged diversity and inclusiveness at work.

Today there are indications that women’s entrepreneurship is expandingconsiderably around the world, and more and more companies are embracingdiversity in the workplace. Consequently, the ranks of women serving as senior

Continued on page 10


Dear Zontians and Friends of Zonta,

I extend to all of you the warmest of wishes for the new year – may 2008 be a yearof peace and prosperity for all, and a year in which women and girls in all coun-tries around the world enjoy lives free of violence and increased access toeducation, healthcare, and economic opportunities..

And may the Foundation continue to be the beneficiary of your generosity!The Foundation is hopeful of achieving the 2006 – 2008 Biennial Goals becauseof your generous contributions to support Zonta’s vital programs. This Bienniumthe District Foundation Ambassadors provided many unique and creativefundraising opportunities at Conferences which were successful. On behalf of theFoundation Board, I would like to thank them and the District Governors whoprovided the opportunities and the support to help them succeed.

The feature article in this issue of The Zontian is on women in business. Didyou know that*...

■ Only since 1974 have women in the USA had the legal right to businessloans in their own names;

■ Today, in the USA women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men –10.4 million businesses are owned by women nationwide;

■ In 2005 women represented 44 percent of the workforce, 30 percent ofmanagerial positions and only 3 percent of company CEOs in Europe; this issimilar for the USA where women constitute almost half of the workforceand hold more than 50 percent of management and professional positions,but make up only 2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs.

I have personal experience of this in my profession as a certified publicaccountant (CPA). When I became a CPA over 25 years ago, I was often the onlywoman in required continuing education courses; now the majority of courseattendees are women. However, in November when I attended a course for ownersof CPA firms, of the 250 attendees only 6 were women.

We need to improve these statistics! Therefore we are pleased to announce the2007 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship international recipients.On page 7 you can read more about these women. It seems only appropriate atthis time to remember Jane Klausman and recognize the foresight and commit-ment she demonstrated by including the Foundation in her estate plans. Janeherself was an astute business woman and understood only too well the challengeswomen can face in following this path. Since Jane’s bequest is a board-designatedendowment, the Foundation needs to raise money each biennium to supplementthe investment income that is used to provide these scholarships. Thus far in thisBiennium, your contributions to this Fund have exceeded past years and we arewell on our way to meeting our biennial goal.

Zonta also supports women in business through the International ServiceFund. This Biennium we continue our funding of CARE’s Microcredit forHIV/AIDS-affected women in Niger. I can personally attest to the changes we arehelping to make in Niger. The women in our Mata Masu Dubara project havetold me how they have improved their businesses, which allows them to betterprovide for their families. They also spoke about their new positions within theirvillage community. Zonta helped them to gain confidence; they now have a voiceand are listened to and respected. Please be sure to read the update on thisexciting project on page 8.

With sincere appreciation,

Betty Jane Bourdon

*Sources: Women’s Business Research; Women Presidents’ Organization, with 1,100 members whoaverage $12 million in annual revenue

FOUNDATION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Betty Jane Bourdon

4 THE ZONTIAN JANUARY 2008

“Only since 1974 have

women in the USA

had the legal right to

business loans in their

own names”


In a 2007 report by the CorporateWomen Directors International(CWDI) only 11.2% of board seats are held by women in the 200 largestcompanies in the world – the majorityof which are USA and Europeancorporations. However, the good news is that between 2004 and 2007the total number of board seats heldby women increased from 285 seats to308. Additionally 86% of Americancompanies now have at least onewoman on their Board of Directors,according to Catalyst, a research and advisory organization in NorthAmerica working to expand opportunities for women in business.

The number of women on Europe’stop company boards is stagnatingexcept in Scandinavia, according to the European Professional Women’s Network (PWN) secondbiannual “EuropeanPWN Board-Women Monitor 2006.” In Europewomen hold 8.5% of corporate boardroom seats, up slightly from 8% in2004. The report finds thatScandinavian countries, throughproactive policies and quotas, aresurging ahead. Norway has strength-ened its lead with 28.8% (up from22%) board seats accounted for by women. Sweden (22.8%),

Finland (20%) and Denmark (17.9%)are close behind. The rest of Europetrails these countries; however, thenumber of companies with at least one woman on the board has increasedover the past two years from 62% to 67.8%.

Though progress is being made,much still needs to be done for theadvancement of women in the business related fields.

Gender StereotypesGender stereotyping – one of the keybarriers to women’s advancement incorporate leadership – leaves womenwith limited, conflicting, and oftenunfavorable options no matter howthey choose to lead, according to astudy by Catalyst. The organizationinterviewed senior-level executives inboth the United States and Europe torank the effectiveness of women andmen leaders on various leadershipbehaviors. Both the men and womenrespondents stereotyped women ashaving better “caretaking skills” such as supporting and encouraging others.They also both felt that men excelledmore in the stereotypical masculine“taking charge” skills such as influ-encing superiors. Their research alsoshowed that these perceptions are even

more significant when women seek tobecome leaders or advance in tradi-tionally male-dominated fields.

According to another research studyconducted by Catalyst, women andmen stereotype leaders in a similar wayexcept in one key leadership behavior– problem-solving. Women respon-dents felt that more women werebetter at problem-solving than men,while men respondents felt men weresuperior. With men outnumberingwomen in top management positions,the male-held stereotype dominatescurrent corporate thinking.

These perceptions stall women’sadvancement. “It is often these ‘takecharge’ skills – the stereotypically‘masculine’ behaviors – that are seen asprerequisites for top-level positions,”said Jeanine Prime, PhD, author of the study and Director of Research at Catalyst.

Hiring more women executives orinstituting more gender diversityprograms isn’t enough. According toCatalyst, in recent years companieshave shown an increased commitmentto diversity, inclusion and the advance-ment of women in the workplace. Yet,the representation of women in leader-ship remains stagnant.

“Ultimately, it’s the companies thatsuffer. Developing and retaining thebest talent is the key to remainingcompetitive in the global businessworld,” adds Illene H. Lang, Presidentof Catalyst. “Until we break the spellof stereotyping, companies willcontinue to sub-optimize women andlose a vital talent pool – one they,frankly, cannot afford to ignore.”

“The percentage of women in business leadership positions is still low inCanada when compared to their male counterparts. In many businesseswomen are still in the minority and are defined and treated as such.”

Alison DraperZonta Club of Halifax, CanadaFinancial Services Associate for Blackmont Capital, Inc.


Comparative Percentage of Women Directors byCountry*United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13.6Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.2Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.7United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.7Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..4.6Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

*Source: Corporate Women Directors International

Women in Business



Equality in PayWomen are still earning less than theirmale counterparts. A 2007 study bythe American Association of UniversityWomen (AAUW) EducationFoundation shows that just one yearout of college, women in the USAworking full-time already earn lessthan their male colleagues, even whenworking in the same field. Theirreport, “Behind the Pay Gap,” foundthat just one year after college gradua-tion, women earn only 80 percent ofwhat their male counterparts earn. Ten years after graduation, women fall further behind, earning only 69 percent of what men earn.

The research also shows that tenyears after graduation, college-educated men working full time havemore authority in the workplace thando their female counterparts. Men aremore likely to be involved in hiringand firing, supervising others andsetting pay. The AAUW research also

shows that this pay gap exists despitethe fact that women outperform menin school – achieving slightly higherGPAs than men in every college major.

Balancing Career and Family Although women now make up abouthalf the labor force, concerns aboutbalancing career and family keep manyyoung women from entering male-dominated fields, according to a 2006study by researchers at RTI Inter-national, the University of Minnesota,the University of Michigan andMurdoch University in the United States.

“Despite the women’s movementand more efforts in society to openoccupational doors for women,concerns about balancing career andfamily continue to steer young womenaway from occupations in traditionallymale-dominated fields, where theirabilities and ambitions may lie,” saidPam Frome, PhD, RTI researcher andthe study’s principal investigator.“Females are not only less likely tochoose careers in male-dominatedfields, but when they do, they aremore likely than males to drop out ofthese fields.”

The study, published in the August2006 issue of the Educational Researchand Evaluation journal, looked at 137female high school seniors in 1990who aspired to male-dominated jobs.Seven years later, 83 percent of thosewomen changed their occupationalaspirations to female-dominated fieldsor neutral jobs. The study found themost significant predictor for a youngwoman to change her career plans wasa desire for a job that allowed her theflexibility to have a family.

Empowering RelationshipsA mentoring relationship is an essen-tial step for achieving success in today’sbusiness world. According to a pollconducted by CareerWomen.com,

more women are tapping into theexpertise and advice of mentors, bothmale and female, to help them achievetheir career goals. In their poll, amajority of women (62%) have aformal or informal mentor – someonewho has influenced their personal and professional development andcontributed to their career success.However, 64% of women reportedthat their most important mentorshave been male, while 36% reportedthat women mentors have been themost influential in their careers.

“We questioned, ‘why did themajority of women respond that theirmost important mentors are male?’“ said JillXan Donnelly ofCareerWomen.com. “This may be dueto the fact that men still statisticallyout rank women in the highest posi-tions within corporations. As such,women often benefit from their malementors business experience and theirnetworks of other’s in senior manage-ment who could be influential in theircareer. It could also point out thatmentoring programs are becomingmore gender blind, or that women and men are working better togetherto help women succeed.”

ConclusionGreat strides for women and equalityhave occurred over the last century.Women’s participation in the work-force has increased, more women areobtaining a secondary education andmore women are now holding boardseats in leading global organizations.However, disparities continue to exist between men and women in thebusiness world and much still needs to be done.

Sources for this article included:American Association of University Women,“Behind the Pay Gap”CareerWomen.com, Importance of Mentoring inthe WorkplaceCatalyst, Women Take Care, Men TakeCharge:’Stereotyping of U.S. Business LeadersExposed and The Double-Bind Dilemma forWomen in Leadership”Corporate Women Directors International,Women Board Directors of the Fortune Global200

European Professional Women’s Network,EuropeanPWN Board Women Monitor 2006RTI International

“Young women today realize they have more opportunities available tothem then their mothers and grandmothers did in the business fields.There are also many good examples in some of the world’s well knowncompanies where CEOs are women. These women set great role modelsfor young women and allow today’s young women to realize what kind ofopportunities lay in front of them only if they dare to make commitmentsand be determined.”

Amy LaiZonta Club of Taipei, Taiwan, Owner of Taihort, Inc

What Zonta is doing: the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship ProgramSince 1998, Zonta has awarded 175Women in Business Scholarships towomen from 39 countries.

Jane M. Klausman (Zonta Club ofSyracuse, New York, USA; ZontaInternational Parliamentarian 1990-1995) knew first-hand the challengesfaced by young women pursuing careersin business and understood the impor-tance of helping women becomebusiness leaders.

With this in mind, she left a generousbequest to the Zonta InternationalFoundation, establishing the Jane M.Klausman Women in BusinessScholarship Program.

For information on including the ZontaInternational Foundation in your estateplans, contact the Director of Developmentat [email protected].



Kerri L. Vanderwarker (USA) is a double majorin finance and marketing at Syracuse University in the USA. “My focus on both finance andmarketing have been rewarding as these two disci-plines are often considered to be on opposite endsof the business continuum. By being exposed tothe functions and procedures of both disciplines I have been able to develop a broad and variedunderstanding of the operations of the businessworld today,” said Kerri.

“I look forward to being a professional who will impact the business world. I believe my desireto learn, coupled with a strong belief in ethics andintegrity, will be invaluable as I continue my growthand development. I am anxious for the opportunityto be a strong, clear voice of conviction in the oftenmuddled world of business today.”

Lora G. Atanasova (Bulgaria) grew up in a smalltown dreaming of studying in the United Statesand working at a leading Wall Street financialfirm. Her ultimate goal has been to return toBulgaria to make a valuable contribution to itsdevelopment. Today, Lora is a student at DrexelUniversity (USA) pursuing her bachelor’s degreein Business Administration.

“I am a person who challenges the status quo. I view my life as an opportunity to make a differ-ence for the people around me and those who willcome after me,” said Lora. “I have dared to thinkof the greatest challenges, highest goals and dreamsthat I have made a reality.”

Jenene Kolensie (South Africa) is an activevolunteer in her community. During this experience she realized that without a formaleducation she would not be able to further hercareer or make the impact she wanted. “Thisseries of events led me to leave my country inpursuit of a degree in business administration and management in America,” said Jenene.

Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, Jeneneintends to pursue a master’s degree. “I believe thatgiven the opportunity I will have the ability tocomplete my studies and be in a position to make a difference in not only my life, but also that of my family and community.”

Lydia Rybizki (Germany) is studying internationalbusiness administration at the University ofErlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) and is currentlyparticipating in an academic year abroad and

attending the University of Barcelona in Spain.Upon graduation, Lydia plans to pursue a career

in health care management. “From my point of viewit is one of the sectors which will experience majorchanges in the future, especially in Germany,” saidLydia. “For instance, the privatization of hospitals,a process that started in the last few years inGermany, has led to a demand in people who areable to manage a clinic while balancing economicobjectives against social obligations.”

Lydia will soon complete an internship withthe consultancy of an internally operatingcompany. “I believe that working in consultancyis the best way to learn about functioning in a multinational company and to put into practice all the theoretical knowledge I haveattained so far.”

Malin Sara Ivarsson (Sweden) is majoring infinance at the Stockholm School of Economics inSweden. In addition to her studies, she has takenon several roles of responsibility within herschool’s Student Association. As president of the Business Committee (2005 – 2006), she wasresponsible for heading the Student Association’scompany relations and recruitment servicesprograms. “This experience has truly been invaluable, giving me insights to many differentindustries and encouraging me even more topursue a career in the business world,” said Malin.

“The scholarship will help me in my aspirationto achieve my academic and professional goals,”added Malin, recently accepted into theInternational MBA exchange program atTsinghua University in Beijing.

Malgorzata Florczak (Poland) is studying business law, finance and banking at two leadingPolish Universities – Warsaw University andWarsaw School of Economics. She plans tofurther her studies and pursue a master’s degree in law and economics at Utrecht University inThe Netherlands.

“After achieving my professional goals, I willpromote equality in employment conditionsbetween men and women and I will try to changetraditional stereotypes concerning women’s role insociety,” added Malgorzata. “Moreover, I will be agood example for young Polish business womenproving that through hard work and determina-tion they can succeed in any field of business.”

2007 JANE M. KLAUSMAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS RECIPIENTSThis year Zonta awarded six international Women in Business Scholarships. Since the program’s inception, Zontians have madepossible 175 scholarships for the best and brightest women from 39 countries, helping erode gender barriers in many areas ofthe business world. This year’s recipients are:



CARE International Mata MasuDubara (Women on the Move):Microcredit and Health Educationfor HIV/AIDS-Affected Women inNiger, Tahoua RegionTo address the socio-economic needsof women infected with or affected byHIV/AIDS, CARE has established 161Mata Masu Dubara (MMD) creditand savings groups to create financialsecurity for members of the groupsand to address issues of HIV care,prevention and transmission. Totalenrollment of these MMD groups has now reached 3,835 women.

The 161 MMD groups mobilized atotal of US$26,685 in savings betweenApril and September 2007 alone, andUS$4,635 in credit was extended toMMD members.

Eighteen MMD members weretrained to become village agentsspecializing in income-generatingactivities, and the number of womenpracticing income-generating activitiesrose to 863.

US$5,638 was mobilized for amutual assistance social fund forpeople affected by HIV/AIDS andother life-threatening illnesses, and 39AIDS orphans and children with HIVwere enrolled in school.

CARE has hosted 765 communitydiscussions on HIV awareness forsome 20,000 villagers and aired HIVawareness messages over the radio.

Afghan Institute of Learning:Developing Community-BasedEfforts to Educate AfghanWomen and GirlsThere are now eight community-basededucational learning centers forwomen supported by Zonta’s 2006-2008 grant to the Afghan Institute of Learning, with an annual total of2,591 students studying a variety of subjects including Arabic, math,

science, social studies and sewingamong others.

AIL staff has provided training onan ongoing basis to all teachers andstaff of each center. Teachers andadministrators have also attendedseminars and workshops held by AILin both Herat and Kabul.

AIL clinics provide vital services tomany rural women and children whoare often too poor and live too farfrom the city to seek medical carewhen they need it. The clinics offer a full range of medical services,including dental and eye care. BetweenSeptember 2006 and September 2007,the clinics served 126,878 people.

A particular focus of the clinics ison the reproductive health concerns ofwomen. Each month, between 1,200and 1,600 women receive treatment atthe AIL clinics for pregnancy and other reproductive health concerns. Over the 12-month period, the clinicsdelivered 123 babies on-site, thoughmost Afghan women still give birth athome. The clinics help them preparefor a clean and save delivery at home

INTERNATIONALSERVICE PROGRAM

In the 2006-2008 Biennium, contributions to the Foundation’sInternational Service Fund provide support to four International ServiceProjects. Here is a brief update on two of those projects.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Niger isspreading and the devastating effects ofAIDS is particularly acute in theTahoua Region. In this rural area, thewidows, who are mostly young, findthemselves incapable of properly takingcare of their children because householdresources are used up for their husband’smedical care.

Continued on page 9



From 25 February through 7 March2008, the United Nations Commissionon the Status of Women (CSW) willmeet in New York to discuss the topicof Financing for Gender Equality. Since1919, Zonta has been financing genderequality and the 2006-2008 Bienniumis no exception.

This Biennium, the Foundation isexpected to raise US$3.8 million toprovide support for Zonta’s programsdesigned to bring about gender equality– the Amelia Earhart Fellowships, JaneM. Klausman Women in BusinessScholarships and Young Women inPublic Affairs Awards, and theInternational Service and ZISVAWFund grants, as well as for the manage-ment of the Foundation andmaintenance of the ZontaHeadquarters property to enable theimplementation of these programs.

At three-quarters of the way throughthe Biennium, Zontians, Zonta Clubs,Areas and Districts, and friends ofZonta have reaffirmed their dedicationto Zonta’s programs and their belief in

gender equality by giving generously.Yet we have six months (at 1 December)remaining in the Biennium andUS$1,654,045 to go to reach that goal of US$3.8 million.

FINANCING FOR GENDER EQUALITY

2006–2008 BIENNIUM1 June 2006 through 30 November 2007

Funds Goal Received Balance

Rose Fund US$800,000 US$503,934 US$296,066

Amelia Earhart FellowshipFund US$650,000 US$316,458 US$333,542

Jane M. Klausman Women inBusiness Scholarship Fund US$125,000 US$90,207 US$34,793

Young Women in PublicAffairs Fund US$150,000 US$112,306 US$37,694

International Service Fund US$1,500,000 US$869,008 US$630,992

ZISVAW Fund US$550,000 US$368,116 US$181,884

WHPPI Fund US$ 30,000 US$20,130 US$9,870

Annual Funds Total US$3,805,000 US$2,280,159 US$1,654,045

Endowment Fund US$224,945

Grand Total US$2,505,104

by distributing birthing kits andhygiene items.

AIL’s vaccination program in Kabul and Herat has provided50,882 vaccines. The nutritionprogram assessed the nutritional statusof 29,832 children and provided

health lessons to their mothers. Healtheducation was provided to 82,433women and children through thecentral and mobile clinics, substan-tially exceeding project goals. Healtheducation has shown many positiveresults and changes the attitudes andbehaviors of the women and girls,

directing them toward healthierlifestyles.

Continued from page 8

To learn more about giving to theZonta International Foundationand financing gender equality,visit www.zonta.org/zif.

The International ServiceProgram is a Zonta

International program funded by theZonta International Foundation. Formore information on the InternationalService Program, the InternationalService Fund, and the projects describedhere, visit www.zonta.org/isp.



ZONTA INTERNATIONAL AND THE UNITED NATIONS

In 2005, UNIFEM partnered withCalvert, the largest family of sociallyresponsible mutual funds in theUnited States, to develop the firstglobal code of conduct for businesscorporations focused exclusively onempowering, advancing and investingin women throughout the world.

There are numerous internationalagreed commitments for women’shuman rights and labor standards. Butthis is an important effort by the private sector to recognize thatwomen’s full capacity to participate inthe economic development of theirsocieties has been held back by genderinequities and that corporations canplay a significant role in redressing theconditions that impede women’s fullparticipation and empowerment in the workplace.

The Calvert Women’s Principlesoffer standards that companies canemploy to set goals and measure theirown progress in seven key genderequality issues:■ Disclosure, Implementation,

Monitoring Corporations will promote and strive to attain gender equality intheir operations and in their businessand stakeholder relationships byadopting and implementing proactive policies that are publiclydisclosed, monitored and enforced.

■ Employment and IncomeCorporations will promote and striveto attain gender equality by adoptingand implementing wage, income,hiring, promotion and other employ-ment policies that eliminate genderdiscrimination in all forms.

■ Health, Safety, and ViolenceCorporations will promote and striveto attain gender equality by adoptingand implementing policies to securethe health, safety and well-being ofwomen workers

■ Civic and Community EngagementCorporations will promote and striveto attain gender equality by adoptingand implementing policies to helpsecure and protect the right ofwomen to fully participate in civiclife and to be free from all forms ofdiscrimination and exploitation

■ Management and GovernanceCorporations will promote and striveto attain gender equality by adoptingand implementing policies to ensure

women’s participation in corporatemanagement and governance.

■ Education, Training, andProfessional DevelopmentCorporations will promote and striveto attain gender equality by adoptingand implementing education,training and professional develop-ment policies benefiting women.The Calvert Women’s Principles

recognize that different businesses indifferent settings have a differentcapacity to implement these standardsand have included a progressive rangeof measures from elemental to moredifficult, so corporations can build ontheir accomplishments. (See theCalvert web site at www.calvert.comfor more details.)

Another important aspect of theCalvert Women’s Principles is that theygive investors a broad picture of acorporation’s commitment andprogress in advancing the status ofwomen in their companies.

The Calvert Women’s Principlesoffer an excellent tool for companies toaspire to and measure their success inpromoting not only women in theworkplace but greater participation ofwomen in the economic, political andsocial activities that build communitiesand nations.

THE CALVERT WOMEN’S PRINCIPLES: A CODE OF CORPORATE CONDUCT THAT PROMOTESWOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITYJackie Shapiro, Chairman, United Nations Committee

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEexecutives are growing, signifying thatthe landscape of the paid workforceand small business sector is changing –for the better for women! Here arethree simple rules for future managersto remember: (1) Ask for what youneed to be successful, whether it beskills or a mentor. (2) Choose wisely

when deciding to join a company.Look carefully at its management, themanager you’ll be reporting to, and thecorporate culture. Choose a companyculture that fits how you work. (3) Getline experience early if you want to riseinto a general-management role orwant to lead a business.

I hope your holidays were as joyfulas mine and that the new year bringswith it hopes and blessings for a betterworld.

Continued from page 3

“The best clue to a nation’s growth and development is the status and role ofwomen.”

David S. LandisThe Wealth and Poverty of Nations



Throughout the world, members,clubs, areas and districts are intensi-fying their efforts to achieve Zonta’sgoal: the advancement of the status of women. We dedicate time, money,enthusiasm and energy. And everyeffort counts!

This Biennium we seek to recognisethe extent and contribution ofZontians’ service throughout the worldto making a better place for women byutilising a new club reporting system.In the last issue of The Zontian wegave you a progress report onZontians’ service (Zonta’s Impact: TheTrue Picture). With eight months ofthe Biennium left, it’s time to provide you with an update.

Why collect information on serviceactivities undertaken by clubs at aninternational level? This informationenables us to provide members, donorsand other supporters with credibleinformation on the true impact ofZonta worldwide and to align futureZonta strategies to the real needs andpriorities. It will increase our credibilityand visibility as an international serviceorganization, attract and retainmembership and provide informationto districts and clubs for their planning.

At the end of September 2007 we have received information aboutservice activities from a much largerpercentage of clubs than in previousbiennia: 46% of the Zonta clubs fromall geographical areas have been able toreport. These clubs have raised nearlyUS$3 million for local service effortsand Zontians have devoted 235,436service, fundraising and advocacyhours between June 2006 andSeptember 2007.

Results show that Education andHealth are globally the two highestservice priorities (see Figure 1). SelfEsteem activities, although the newest service category having been

introduced in 2006, hasbecome well supportedwith many clubs choosingthis as their focus becauseof the needs in theircommunities. Weencourage you to shareyour best practicesregarding your projects onthe Zonta InternationalWeb site for any of yourprojects. This serves as inspiration to other local clubs.

Service priorities differthroughout the world (seeFigure 1). Health is the toppriority of Africa, Australia andNew Zealand (ANZ) comparedto Education in Asia (AS). InEurope (E), the top priority is shared between Health andEducation, while in NorthAmerica Health, Education andPreventing Violence jointly sharethe top priority. South America’sfocus is on self esteem with morethan 50% of the contributions.

Zontians’ reported financialcontributions to local projectsand programs indicate thatUS$2,882,932 has been raisedduring this Biennium. Figure 2shows that North America (NCA)has the largest contribution reportedby geographic area. Taking intoconsideration the differences inmembership, the largest contributionreported per member is from Asia.

As mentioned above, these figuresrepresent only the reported data corre-sponding to 46% of the clubs from all geographical areas and not the true totals. They give a much clearer indication of the focus of the differentregions and of the local impact of ourorganisation than in previous biennia.

Introducing new systems can bedifficult. We appreciate the contribu-tion and cooperation from clubs thathas enabled Zontians to begin to seethe true picture of their contributionto advancing the status of womenworld wide. One hundred percent clubparticipation is the true picture; we arenearly 50% there. We encourage allclubs and members to help us todevelop the true picture of Zonta’simpact locally and internationally.

Lynn McKenzie, Chairman, Status of Women Service CommitteeJackie Beaudry, Coordinator, Local Service SubcommitteeMaría José Landeira Østergård, Zonta International Director 2005-2007

THE TRUE PICTURE IS DEVELOPING:

ZONTA’S IMPACT

Service Priorities June 06–September 07

Total US$ Reported = 2,882,932

Figure 1

Figure 2

ANZ = Africa, Australia, New ZealandAS = AsiaE = EuropeNCA = North America



In the last issue of The Zontian, I mentioned how important it is forindividual Zontians to help us grow.We continue to find that the singlebest source for new Zontians iscurrent members. Many of us havehelped our own club grow by recommending eligible colleaguesand friends for membership andsharing our own experience of Zonta membership with them.

But we can do more . . .As a Zontian, you likely have a

colleague, friend, or relative in adistant city or another country.Have you shared your experience of Zonta with him or her? Is there a club nearby? Would he or she liketo help build one?

Often making these recommenda-tions requires a bit of effort. Onemust look up the city, check theZonta directory, write an E-mail or aletter to the club or District. It’s notall that difficult, but often gets putaside until you get “around to it.”

Here’s an opportunity to skipthe work and still participate.District 25 is looking at an expan-sion program in India so that Zontacan grow along with the very rapideconomic growth in that country.Please read District 25 GovernorManthri Perera’s open letter to themembership and let her know if youhave any contacts currently residingand working professionally anywherein India. Her E-mail address is listedbelow her signature.

ZONTIANS, WE NEED YOUR HELP!By Glenne Harding, Chairman, Zonta International OMC Committee

Dear Zontians:

The 2008 to 2010 Biennium will be the biennium for India.District 25 includes India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India isrepresented by only three clubs, but Governor-Elect KananVarma is from India and has great expectations for her country.

India, a land of many cities, many languages, incredibleculture and endless resources, is emerging as one of the world’sleading nations.

Zonta needs to grow with India. We have recognized the needsof the country by supporting India through our InternationalService Projects. We now need to embrace a new network of Indianwomen to foster the call of Zonta in India.

To do this we need you! Zonta is calling you!Zontians around the world have many friends who originated

from India. Zontians have colleagues who work or commute withIndia. Can we call on you to assist us in this important drive forIndia?

Please forward names or contact people that you have in Indiawhom you would recommend as Zontians. This will give us thedata base to create a network of Zontians to strengthen and growthe Zonta movement in India.

Many thanks for your help,

ManthriManthri Perera Governor District [email protected]


Microfinance Banking in NigeriaA group of friends, led by AbioyeKusamotu of the Zonta Club of Lagos,Nigeria, came together with a vision of touching the lives of small business-people. The group was motivated andencouraged by Mrs. Kusamotu, aprofessional banker retired from activebanking operations and now in theindustry’s financial advisory sector, to develop Moneywise MicrofinanceBank Ltd.

Thanks to the group’s dedication,Moneywise Microfinance Bank Ltd.(Moneywise) was recently licensed bythe Central Bank of Nigeria to carryout microfinance banking activities inLagos state. The vision at Moneywise is to be at the forefront of microfinancebanking activities in Nigeria, while their mission is to empower microenterprises, small and medium sizedbusinesses, trade associations and othersto grow their businesses by makingfinancial assistance available to them at affordable terms. The Bank is poisedto fast track customers’ businessventures by providing innovative financial products to empower themeconomically, thus helping eradicatepoverty in Nigeria.

Zonta Clubs of Mana and WellingtonPromote Young Women DesignersYoung industrial designer AmyRobinson received the 2007 ZontaDesign Supreme award at a ceremonyin Wellington, New Zealand. This isthe second consecutive year that anindustrial design student won theSupreme award (awards are given ineach of five areas of design: industrial,photographic, visual communications,fashion and textile and interior. TheSupreme winner receives a cash awardof NZ$5000). Last year’s winner, LucyCant, is now employed with the awardsponsor, Weta Workshop, andpresented the 2007 award to Amy.

This is the fifth year the awards havebeen made, representing a unique

partnership between industry, education and Zonta (Clubs of Manaand Wellington, New Zealand). Thisaward recognizes the importance ofwomen in the design industry and seeksto encourage women to make designtheir career choice. Industry provides the prize money with the sponsors also given the opportunity to provideemployment.

Zontian’s Firm Lands SBA Awards in Hawaii and Region 9 (Western States & Pacific)The public relations firm Hastings & Pleadwell received the Women inBusiness Champion of the Year Awardfor both the state of Hawaii andRegion 9 (which includes California,Arizona, Nevada and Pacific affiliatedIslands). Launched a decade ago byBarbara Hastings, director of theZonta Club of Hilo, and BarbraPleadwell, the Oahu and Big-Island

based communi-cation companyhandles publicrelations, adver-tising and marketstrategies.

Hastings &Pleadwell is activein the struggle to

advance the position of womenthrough Zonta International, hireswomen to provide goods and serviceswhen it can, and performs communityservice. In 2006, the companypresented a no-cost workshop,Recruiting and Retaining Membershipthrough Public Relations, to local non-profits.

“We believe in good corporate citizenship and we promote that in our clients and in ourselves,” saidHastings. The firm is celebrating its10-year anniversary with 10 acts ofservice. “We’ve always reached out towomen in business. They helped us inthe beginning. We all have to helpeach other,” she added.

Zonta Club Honors Women forOutstanding Community Service The Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon recently recognized threecommunity members with its 2007Women of Achievement Awards. The awards acknowledge outstandingservice by women living in Bramptonand Caledon. This year’s winner in thebusiness category was Janet Biggart.

As an advocate for community-based,commercial development withEnterprise Property Group, Biggartencouraged the building of new retailplazas, ensured full tenancy of existingtroubled malls and secured long lasting,successful relationships between tenantsand landlords. She served as a championand co-creator of All Roads Lead toBrampton, a marketing campaign thatwas highly successful in puttingBrampton on the map as a place to dobusiness. In her profession, she hasdemonstrated vision and leadership, andduring her tenure as chairman, the Cityof Brampton Economic DevelopmentOffice has won more than 40 marketingawards from provincial, Canadian andinternational associations.

For more information on these stories or to submit your Club’s story, go towww.zonta.org, Zonta Action.

ZONTA ACTION

ZONTA CLUBS

ENCOURAGE WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Zonta Clubs of Mana and Welllington encourageyoung women to pursue a career in design

Barbara Hastings, Zonta Club of Hilo, receives local SBA Women in Business Champion of theYear Award.




Candidate for President-ElectDianne K. Curtis

Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, CA USA, District 9International Vice President, 2006-2008

Candidates for Vice PresidentAnnette Binder

Zonta Club of Hamburg-Elbufer, Germany, District 27International Director, 2004-2006

Dunstanette Lucille MacauleyZonta Club of Lome, Togo, District 18International Director, 1996-1998

Lynn J. McKenzieZonta Club of Wellington, New Zealand, District 16International Director, 2004-2006

Candidate for Treasurer/SecretaryGloria Stootman Wristen

Zonta Club of Auburn, NY USA, District 2International Treasurer/Secretary, 2006-2008

Candidates for International Director for 2008-2010Four (4) to be electedIngeborg Geyer

Zonta Club of Vienna, Austria, District 14District Governor, 2006-2008

Lynn R. GoodhueZonta Club of Northampton Area, MA USA, District 1District Governor, 2006-2008

Lynette GraveZonta Club of Metropolitan Dunedin, New Zealand, District 16District Governor, 2006-2008

Elke Johler-DuriezZonta Club of Bad Homburg, Germany, District 28District Governor, 2004-2006

Heddy Tangen SteffensenZonta Club of Stavanger, Norway, District 13District Governor, 2006-2008

Mary Ann TarantulaZonta Club of Northern Valley, NJ USA, District 3District Governor, 2006-2008

Candidates for International Director for 2009-2011Three (3) to be electedBeverly A. Duff

Zonta Club of Ft. Myers Area, FL USA, District 11District Governor, 2002-2004

Sonja Hönig SchoughZonta Club of Kungsbacka, Sweden, District 21District Governor, 2006-2008

Beryl McMillanZonta Club of Melbourne CBD Inc., VIC Australia, District 23District Governor, 2006-2008

Kirsi NickelsZonta Club of Hyvinkää Area, Finland, District 20Area Director, 2002-2004

Carol PasanenZonta Club of Brainerd Area, MN USA, District 7District Governor, 2006-2008

Candidates for Nominating CommitteeNorth, Central and South AmericaBarbara J. Lippa

Zonta Club of Fairfax County, VA USA, District 3District Governor, 2000-2002

Sharron MilesZonta Club of Johnson County, TX USA, District 10District Governor, 2006-2008

EuropeAnu Hämäläinen

Zonta Club of Lappeenranta, Finland, District 20District Governor, 1994-1996

AfricaJadesola Akande

Zonta Club of Lagos, Nigeria, District 18District Governor, 1992-1994

Josephine Kolapo OdedinaZonta Club of Lagos, Nigeria, District 18District Governor, 2006-2008

Australia and New ZealandPatricia I. Lawson

Zonta Club of Sydney Hills Inc., NSW Australia, District 24District Governor, 2006-2008

Elizabeth WoodgateZonta Club of Peel Region Inc., WA Australia, District 23District Governor, 2002-2004

AsiaBi-Shiou Chiou

Zonta Club of Hsin Chu, Taiwan, District 31District Governor, 2006-2008

Olivia A. FerryZonta Club of Makati & Environs, Philippines, District 17International President, 2006-2008

At LargeFour (4) to be electedMary Benoit

Zonta Club of Denver, CO USA, District 12District Governor, 2002-2004

Donna LaneZonta Club of Frederick, MD USA, District 3International Treasurer/Secretary 1994-1998

Sally F. RankinZonta Club of Houston, TX USA, District 10District Governor, 2003-2004

Ronda WalkerZonta Club of Kyneton Inc., VIC Australia, District 23District Governor, 2004-2006

Beatrice WeaverZonta Club of Greater Miami I, FL USA, District 11District Governor, 2006-2008

Irene Wiese-von OfenZonta Club of Essen, Germany, District 29International Director 1992-1994

2008-2011 Slate of CandidatesThe Zonta International Nominating Committee presents the following slate. Candidates are presented in alphabetical orderunder each office. Included are the highest offices held that qualify the nominees for candidacy. Please note that all votingmembers of the Convention may vote for all positions at Convention 2008.



Zonta InternationalAdvancing the Status of Women Worldwide

557 West Randolph StreetChicago, Illinois 60661 USATelephone: +1 312-930-5848Fax: +1 312-930-0951www.zonta.org

The United States Postal Service requires that we publish our Statement of Ownership in this 2006-2008 Biennial Issue Number 7 of The Zontianmagazine, Volume 88, No. 4, Publication Title: The Zontian, Publication No. 0279-3229; Filing Date: 1 October 2007; Issue Frequency: Quarterly; No. of Issues Published Annually: 4; Annual Subscription Price: US$8.50 or included in membership; Complete Mailing Address of Known Office ofPublication: Zonta International, 557 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661, USA; Publisher: Janet Halstead; Managing Editor: Cathe Wood;Editor: Theresa Reynolds; Owner: Zonta International, 557 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661, USA; Known Bond-Holders, Mortgagees, andOther Security Holders Owning or Holding 1% or More of the Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None; For completion by non-profit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federalincome tax purposes have not changed during preceding 12 months. Following are the numbers for the average number of copies produced for each issueduring the preceding 12 months as they appear on our official statement: Total No. of Copies: 9,535; Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions:9,420; Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: 0; Total Paid and/or RequestedCirculation: 9,435; Free Distribution by Mail—Outside County:0; Free Distribution Outside the Mail:0; Total Free Distribution: 0; Total Distribution9,435; Copies not Distributed:100; Total: 9,535; Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 100%. Following are the numbers for the actual numberof copies of a single issue published nearest to the filing date as they appear on our official statement: Total No. of Copies: 9,282; Paid/RequestedOutside-County Mail Subscriptions: 9,202; Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and other Non-USPS Paid Distribution:0; Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 9,257; Free Distribution by Mail—Outside County:0; Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 0; Total FreeDistribution 0; Total Distribution: 9,257; Copies not Distributed: 25; Total: 9,282; Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 100%.

A new year is a great time to perform a club assessment. Improve member retentionand make recruitment easier by discovering what your club is doing well, and whereyou might have opportunities to improve.

Ask yourself:■ Are club meetings interesting? ■ Are my club’s service projects seen as worthwhile?■ Is my club diverse in terms of professions and age groups?■ Are tasks and responsibilities being delegated, so that everyone

is involved and no one is “burned out”?■ Are club member’s efforts publicly recognized?■ How are new members mentored?■ If I were unfamiliar with Zonta, what would compel me to join? Is that what my club is doing?

Answer these questions as honestly and objectively as possible, discuss your thoughts with your fellow clubmembers, visit the Zonta International Web site for best practices and ideas, and take action to strengthen your club.


Documents

The Zontian January 2008, Issue Seven