“A credible and visible voice to build a better world for women and girls” – this guiding principle shapes the advocacy work of Zonta District 29 during the 2024–2026 biennium.
Women and girls around the world continue to face numerous challenges. Therefore, the district’s advocacy efforts focus on key issues including equality, parity in politics and business, equal care, poverty prevention, climate justice, ending gender-based violence, and increasing women’s participation in decision-making positions.
Our Goal: Visibility and Impact
Zonta International strives to be a credible and visible voice for the rights of women and girls. In District 29, this objective remains at the heart of all advocacy activities. Advocacy is not only about raising awareness of inequalities but also about fostering exchange, learning from one another, and creating meaningful change together.
Activities During the 2024–2026 Biennium
The district’s advocacy work includes participation in committees, conferences, and interdistrict meetings, as well as monitoring European developments related to Zonta’s key issues. A particular focus is the preparation of a public relations webinar supporting the ‘Zonta Says NO’ campaign. In addition, innovative formats such as the Advocacy Lounge and the World Café at the District 29 Conference are being developed and organized.
Learning from Each Other
An important part of the work has been analyzing and comparing the situation of women and girls across the countries represented in the district. The findings demonstrate that valuable lessons can be learned from different national approaches. Spain’s legislation protecting women from gender-based violence, for example, can serve as a model for other countries, particularly Germany. Spain and France have also made greater progress in gender equality and parity in politics and business than the Netherlands and Germany. At the same time, issues such as equal care and climate justice continue to require stronger discussion and engagement throughout the district.
Active Clubs Creating Change
All clubs in District 29 have shown strong commitment to the ‘Zonta Says NO’ campaign. These efforts represent some of the district’s most visible and successful advocacy activities. The level of engagement varies among clubs. Some have strong advocacy committees and make strategic use of international awareness days such as International Women’s Day and Girls’ Day. Others actively participate in women’s networks and bring Zonta’s voice into broader discussions. Some clubs focus more strongly on service and charitable projects. This diversity provides an excellent opportunity to share successful strategies and apply them to other advocacy priorities.
Read more about the activities of the D29 clubs as part of the Zonta Says NO Campaign 2025
Looking Ahead
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been exploring and comparing the realities faced by women and girls in different regions and recognizing how much can be learned through exchange and collaboration. Special thanks go to the members of the Advocacy Committee and the District Board for supporting innovative formats such as the Advocacy Lounge and the World Café. Looking ahead to the next biennium, the goal is clear: deepen cooperation, expand advocacy activities, and make our collective voice even stronger.
Raise your voice – be a credible voice to build a better world for women and girls.
Angela Siebold
Chair Advocacy Committee District 29
Zonta Club Bochum | Area 05 | Germany
