Zonta celebrates 100 years of empowering women

Zonta International is celebrating its centennial Nov. 8, and the local club is touting its own work in empowering women.

Its service projects involve Maricopa Family Advocacy Center, Hope Women’s Center, Against Abuse and the Maricopa High School’s Copa Closet. Now it is adding a scholarship to its advocacy.

The Maricopa chapter of Zonta recently formed the Maricopa Women’s Empowerment Scholarship, which will be available next semester, Chapter President Lucinda Boyd said. The chapter received $500 for its scholarship fund from Maricopa Music Festival.

“We are targeting re-entry women needing to get their GED and testing so they can do more,” Boyd said. We are currently working with the CAC program facilitators to coordinate this.”

The purpose of the club is to embolden, support and protect women. Members speak out about domestic violence, assault, exploitation and child marriage. They boost women pursuing education and leadership roles.

“We plan events where women can speak out more vocally about issues,” Boyd said.

Zonta International was formed in 1919 in Buffalo, New York. The Casa Grande chapter has been in place 72 years. The Maricopa chapter formed its bylaws in 2018. This year, Mayor Christian Price officially recognized the Zonta International Centennial Anniversary with a proclamation.

Boyd said the local chapter is committed to donating to and assisting the Maricopa Family Advocacy Center by supplying personal hygiene products, underwear, socks and other needs. For the Against Abuse shelter, they want to provide toys and other items to young children and teens.

Young women have three opportunities for scholarships through the Zonta Foundation. The Young Women in Public Affairs Award starts locally and recognizes women “for their commitment to volunteerism, volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to empowering women worldwide.”

The deadline for the YWPA is April 1, with application to Zonta Club of Maricopa

Zonta Club of Maricopa has open meetings the third Thursday of each month at the Villages Clubhouse, 20991 Butterfield Parkway. They mingle at 5:30, and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.