2022-07-01

Positive convention in Hamburg for Zonta in Sweden and Latvia

Zonta International is a spirited centenarian who is not afraid to break new ground to reach more members. It became clear to the participants of this year's convention in Hamburg, Germany. Renewal and member power characterized the conference, which took place during the midsummer weekend.

Before this year's convention, the international board had done thorough work with the aim of equipping Zonta for the future, both financially and in terms of number of members. As part of the renewal, Zonta will in future work under the motto "Build a Better World for Women and Girls".

The delegates also had to take a position on the various proposals - resolutions and motions - that were put forward before this year's meeting. Sweden and Latvia (collected in District 21) managed, after several years of preparation, to push through a resolution that clarifies Zonta International's position regarding women's right to safe and legal abortions. This right will now be incorporated into a policy for women's right to decide over their own bodies. The issue is highly topical after the Supreme Court in the United States tore up women's constitutional right to abortion, right before the convention in Hamburg.

— This shows what a democratic organization Zonta is. It is possible to get proposals through, but sometimes it takes time, says Karin Müchler, former governor of District 21 and one of the delegates who spoke in favor of the motion for the approximately 1,350 members present in the congress hall.

Sweden's and Latvia's Zonta members could also celebrate that Annika Bränström, member of Sundsvall's Zonta Club and governor of District 21, was elected to Zonta's international board for the period 2022-2024.

At the convention, it was decided that over the next two years, Zonta will invest around SEK 50 million in initiatives that promote gender equality and women's right to education, health and empowerment. Stopping child marriage will continue to be a high priority issue.

In total, nearly 2,000 members attended the convention, which is Zonta International's highest decision-making body. About 100 members from Sweden and Latvia participated.