Zonta International emphasizes importance of educating women and girls on International Education Day

Since 2019, International Education Day has celebrated the role of education for peace and development. In recognizing International Education Day, we reiterate that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies and contributes to the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Zonta understands the importance of education, especially for women and girls. We provide four scholarships, fellowships and awards to women pursuing education and careers in typically male-dominated fields and all of our international service projects include an education component.

"Education is critical to girls becoming successful women," said International President Sharon Langenbeck. "We must work together to ensure that women and girls are educated so they have opportunities to be self-reliant and financially independent."

This year, International Education Day happens during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an unprecedented global learning disruption. The United Nations'theme for the day is, "Recover and revitalize education for the COVID-19 generation."

The lives of 1.6 billion students in more than 190 countries have been affected by schools, universities and other learning institutions closing, as well as the interruption of many literacy and lifelong learning programs.

"As a new year begins, now is the time to step up collaboration and international solidarity to place education and lifelong learning at the center of the recovery and the transformation towards more inclusive, safe and sustainable societies," the UN said in a statement.

Zonta International is in the midst of Amelia Earhart Month, which celebrates the life of the famed aviator and Zontian, and spreads awareness of our Amelia Earhart Fellowship. Our Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship and Young Women in Public Affairs Award programs are currently accepting applications and the Women in Technology Scholarship application will be available this month. We invite our clubs and members to celebrate International Education Day by promoting and/or donating to our education programs so we can continue to support girls and women in their educational journeys.

24 JANUARY 2021