Zonta Inernational is a global organization founded in 1919 dedicated to “advancing the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy”. Zonta International has over 31,000 members in clubs stretching over 66 countries. According to their website, Zonta International has the following objectives:
- To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.
- To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions.
- To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the world.
One way in which Zonta strives to advance women is through the Amelia Earhart Fellowship for women. This fellowship was established in 1938 to honor Amelia Earhart, a fellow Zontonian, by funding women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related science and engineering fields. With women as a minority in the science and engineering fields, this fellowship aims to help them pursue an advanced degree in typically male-dominated aerospace fields. According to Zonta International, Amelia Earhart Fellows have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists, business owners, and the heads of companies. For more information on this fellowship, please visit: http://www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/AmeliaEarhartFellowship.aspx