The Zonta International Club, United Nations District 18 Chairperson, Dr Olabisi Awosanya, has pledged continued support for United Nations projects to improve women and girls’ lives.
The Awosanya stated this in an interview in Ibadan on Wednesday, during the United Nations Day celebration at Zonta House.
According to her, Zonta has funded several projects with the United Nations, one of which is “Let us learn Madagascar” (an empowering program for children in Madagascar), which Zonta supported with $1m (one million US dollars).
“Eid bi Eid (Hand in Hand) empowering Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians; Zonta supported with one million US dollars.
Ending child marriage global program to accelerate action to end child marriage that Zonta supported with a sum of two million US dollars.
Speaking on the significance of the United Nations Day celebration, Awosanya stated that Zonta International’s collaborative projects and funding with the United Nations wouldn’t have been realizable and achievable without ‘ZONTIANS’ amazing membership, prompt payment of dues, commitment, diligence and unflinching support.
“I must confess to you that more than ever before the world needs service organisations like ZONTA for their contributions to societies, nations and the world at large.
“Therefore I contend that Zonta International needs more committed members, so let us keep striving to attract more members. Zontians are the heart and hands of our organisation; without members, we are nothing.
“Finally, membership development, relationship building and retention is duties of all members. Everyone must prepare to eat, drink and sleep ZONTA.
“Let us put our hands on deck to grow Zonta International. Priceless Zontians, the benevolent, the charitable, the considerate, the rare breed and a special group of people who go out of their way to make life beautiful for others the world needs you more than ever. God bless you richly,” she said.
According to her, Zonta International Club is collaborating with the United Nations to fund more projects during the 2022-2024 Biennium.
She highlighted some of the projects, including engaging girls in climate change in Madagascar and the Zonta Int’l intervention fund to the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) with a support sum of $500,000 five hundred thousand US dollars).
Others were the global program to end Child Marriage phase two, Zonta is supporting the UN with US$1.2 m; Adolescent girls’ health and protection in Peru, Zonta is supporting UNICEF, USA is US$750,000.
The last one is Her Health and Dignity, our Priority. Zonta International has committed US$ 750,000 to the United Nations Population Fund ( UNFPA),” she said.
Awosanya noted that in the future, the club would always be willing and ready to build a better world for girls and women through advocacy, empowerment, health, education, gender equity, etc.
