Members of the Zonta Club of Austin are celebrating the 89th anniversary of Zonta International Saturday.

Zonta International has been on the front lines of global and local efforts to help women overcome barriers to equal education, health care, legal rights, credit and employment through education, service and advocacy programs funded by the Zonta International Foundation, according to Cheryl Retterath, local club president.

Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, N.Y., the organization now has nearly 33,000 members in more than 1,225 clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas.

“Zontians worldwide have provided more than $22 million for international programs and projects benefiting more than eight million women in over 60 countries,” Retterath said.

Zonta International service programs are currently focused on providing educational opportunities and access to healthcare, and the prevention of violence against women and include:

 The Amelia Earhart Fellowships, providing more than $7 million for 1,227 Fellowships to women in 58 countries for graduate work in aerospace science and engineering since 1938.

 The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships, providing financial support for women pursuing business management careers.

 The Young Women in Public Affairs Awards to high school women who demonstrate a commitment to service in their schools and communities.

 The International Service Program, funding projects that empower women to overcome barriers to their equal human rights.

“During the 2008-2010 biennium, Zonta is providing support to the following: UNICEF Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Rwanda, UNIFEM Safe Cities for Women Project in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and San Salvador, El Salvador and UNFPA Reduction of Obstetric Fistula in Liberia within the context of Maternal and Newborn Health,” Retterath said.

Zonta Clubs also select, fund and participate in local education, service and advocacy projects that promote women’s equality.

“Here in Austin, the Zonta Club of Austin has been involved in the Seibel Visitation Center, ARC Mower County, Mower County Red Cross, Dr. Earl Thompson with Nepal Services, DCD Prom, Austin Adult Leaning (GEDs), Mower County Mentorship and DECA (International Camp),” she said.

“The active engagement and participation of women in policy making and strategy development, and the creation of gender-sensitive programs are both vital for the full attainment of the goals of gender equality, education, sustainable development and the elimination of all forms of discrimination and harmful practices against them,” Retterath said.

Zonta International is a global organization of executives professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International has consultative status with United Nations agencies, the International Labor Organization and the Council of Europe.

The Zonta International Foundation is Zonta’s philanthropic partner, supporting the mission and programs of Zonta International through effective fundraising, investment of funds and distribution of proceeds.

For more information about Zonta International, contact Retterath at day phone 433-7325 or night phone 325-2358 or e-mail her at cretterath@sterlingstatebank.com.