Members of the Zonta Club of Austin celebrated their 99th anniversary of Zonta International on Nov. 8 at Sterling State Bank during the monthly business meeting.

The Zonta Club of Austin held its organizational meeting in November 1950, and they were chartered with Zonta International in January 1951.

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.

Founded in 1919, in Buffalo, New York, the organization now has nearly 30,000 members in more than 1,200 clubs in 66 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 67 countries. Zonta International service programs are focused on providing educational opportunities and access to healthcare, and the prevention of violence against women and include:

• The Amelia Earhart Fellowships, provide 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 2018-2020 biennium, Zonta is providing support to Let Us Learn Madagascar: An Integrated Program for Adolescent Girls; and Eid bi Eid (Hand in Hand): Support to the resilience and empowerment of Syrian refugee and vulnerable Jordanian women.

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 has been involved in the Seibel Center, Arc Mower County, Dr. Earl Thompson with Nepal Services, DCD Prom, Austin Adult Learning (GED’S)  Zonta Club of Austin  Scholarship for Riverland Community College and the Zonta International Awards.

“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,” said Zonta Club of Austin President Mary Jo Follmuth.

For further information about Zonta International or the Zonta Club of Austin MN, you can contact Cheryl Retterath at 507-438-4330 or Mary Jo Follmuth at 507-437-8773.