Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta members are non-partisan, not related to a particular church and neutral.

Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, USA, under the leadership of playwright and journalist Marian de Forest together with the editor and human rights activist Mary E. Jenkins Zonta is represented in 67 countries and geographic areas. 34,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs.

Zonta considers itself to be a modern network to support and advance the status of women in profession and society. Zonta means friendship and mutual help.

Mission

Professional ethics – friendship – service – internationality.
Zonta serves and advocates advancing the legal, political, economic status of women. Every woman should be able to achieve her full potential, live without fear and find access to all resources on an equal basis with men. Women’s rights are human rights!

Zonta means honest and trust-worthy. This is what Zontians feel responsible for: universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedom, peace, justice, tolerance and communication on an international basis.

“Zonta” is derived from a Lakhota (Teton Dakota), a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples.
It is an adaptation and composite of several Sioux Indian symbols.

	Ray of light – sunshine - or flash of radiance- and so inspiration. This symbol means to us “ALL of Zonta” and “each individual member of ZONTA”.
	Loyalty – the centre of the emblem - individual members band together into clubs, clubs into districts and districts into Zonta International.
	Carrying together - is a most important ingredient for the accomplishment of Zonta's purpose: to work for the advancement of women worldwide through global fellowship, to endeavour for understanding and peace .
	Shelter - Zonta’s many service projects are a shelter for those in need. This symbol embodies Zonta's aims and aspirations.
	It perhaps dates back even further than all of these other symbols in its representation of "honesty" and "trust”, a vital basis of our work.