According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, only 25.1% of all national parliamentarians were female as of 1 October 2020. Established in 1990 by Past International President Leneen Forde, Zonta has given 971 awards, US$1,109,250, to 819 young women from 58 countries.
Because Zonta International believes that young women are the key to women’s advancement in the field of public service, it offers the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award, which recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.
Established in 1990 by Past International President Leneen Forde, Zonta has given 971 awards, US$1,109,250, to 819 young women from 58 countries.
The program operates at the Zonta club, district/region and international levels. Zonta clubs provide awards for club recipients, and district/region and international awards are funded by the Zonta International Foundation. District recipients receive US$1,500, and 10 international recipients are selected from the district/region recipients to receive awards of US$4,000 each.
A big congratulations to Zonta Club of Brisbane’s 2023 winner Charlotte Gillies, a student at the Australian National University who has also been named one of 31 international recipients of the award. Charlotte was awarded $500 from the club and US$5000 for receiving the international award. Charlotte is pictured with Leneen Forde.
From 2024 Zonta Club of Brisbane will award the winner of the Young Women in Public Affairs Award a $1000 prize.