50 Women of Achievement Recognised by Zonta New Zealand

New Zealand is full of selfless, courageous women. In this year’s 50th Anniversary of Zonta Clubs in New Zealand, special recognition has been given to fifty of these women - Women who have worked hard to focus their passion, drive and valued time into pursuing a better place for us to live.

On 8th March 2016, International Women’s Day, the names of these incredible women, from around the country, were announced. Their names and achievements are published on the Zonta New Zealand District 16 website www.zonta.org.nz.

Local clubs will recognise regional awards at ceremonies to be held around the country.

Eleven of the recipients were nominated from the Zonta Wellington Club.

They are:

Dame Margaret Sparrow For her work as sexual health pioneer and a long term advocate for women’s rights to abortion and contraception.

Lynn McKenzie Made ONZM for services to women, Lyn was the first New Zealander to be Zonta’s International President 2012 2014 and currently serves as the Chairman of their International Nominating Committee

Beverly Shore-Bennett As a founder member of Zonta Wellington Club and a long history of working to improve the lives of women and girls

Dame Miriam Dell For her work in promoting women’s advancement and equal rights in society.

Vanisa Dhiru For her work in women’s ethnic and youth sectors

Celia Wade-Brown As Mayor of Wellington and her commitment to the empowerment of women and to the elimination of violence against women and children.

Marilyn Waring For her dedication to advancing the status of women internationally. And as the principal founder of feminist economics

Jean Fleming For her work as Advocate of women in the field of Science.

Dr Jilly Evans For her promotion of women in science-based careers, for her work in finding ways to alleviate childhood poverty,

Helen Clark For her outstanding contribution to promoting gender equality and women’s active political, economic, and social participation

Heather Henare For her work towards the elimination of violence towards Women and Children.

“These Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the inspirational women in our lives and to celebrate their contribution to making a difference to the lives of women and girls”, says Dr Janette Irvine, Governor of Zonta New Zealand. Dr Irvine goes on to say, “Zonta is a global organisation and envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognised as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.”

Contact details: Dr Janette Irvine, Governor District 16 2014-2016 | Zonta International PH: +64 7 347 8177 | M: 027 294 2870 Email: governord16@zonta.org.nz

Background information: In November 1965, 50 years ago, the first Zonta Club in New Zealand and Australia was established - the Zonta Club of Auckland. Since that time Zonta in New Zealand has grown. Today there are 28 clubs located from Whangarei to Dunedin, all working together to empower women locally, nationally and internationally through service and advocacy.

Criteria for the Award: Women eligible to be nominated are those who:

1. Are living, and are a New Zealand citizen or resident, and

2. Demonstrate an active commitment to volunteerism, leadership and a significant contribution to empowering women and girls in New Zealand and/or globally.

3. Women who are deceased (and who passed away in the last 50 years – i.e. after 1 January 1966) are also eligible for nomination if during their lifetime, they were a New Zealand citizen or resident, and demonstrated the attributes in 2. above.

4. Members of Zonta and members of the general public may be nominated.

ENDS

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