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. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 64 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta's mission and objectives.

Zonta International and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF have been in close partnership since 1972, helping UNICEF advance the status of women and children worldwide through education and health services.

© U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Women in Rwanda benefit from the UNICEF programs supported by Zonta International.

Zonta was a founding member of UNICEF’s campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). The goal is to reduce MNT rates to less than one case per 1,000 live births. Zonta has generously supported UNICEF’s MNT immunization efforts in Nepal and Afghanistan.

Since 2008, Zonta International has supported two critical programs in Rwanda: the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and the prevention of gender-based and domestic violence. During the 2012-2014 biennium, Zonta International’s remarkable commitment of $1 million will cover almost 10% of the funding needed by the entire country of Rwanda for both of these critical initiatives. These funds will make an unprecedented impact. They will also enable UNICEF’s Rwanda country office to sustain and scale up current operations and implement long and short-term strategies in these areas.

Because of partners like Zonta International, Rwanda is now at the brink of achieving an HIV-free generation by 2015. The 2012–2014 biennium is a pivotal time for the nation of Rwanda, and Zonta’s role is key in achieving results.