In 1990, recognising that in order to bring about sustainable changes across the globe that women must have equal participation in decision making processes, Zonta International started the Young Women in Public Affairs Award.
In 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action was signed, as part of the United Nations fourth World Conference on Women. The Platform aimed for a 30% target for women in decision making positions. As of 1st September 2018 the world average is 24%. Sadly, as seen recently throughout Australian political discussions, we have fallen from 15th in the world for female parliamentary representation in 1999 to 50th in the world in 2018.
Each year, the Zonta Club of Sydney Inc look forward to receiving applications for our Young Women in Public Affairs award. These awards are open to young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. For our club award, you will need to be living or studying within the central Sydney district. If you are unsure if you fall within this catchment, please contact us.
If successful at our club level, you will receive a $500 (AUD) prize, along with being entered into the District 24 award. The District award is open to the winners of the 26 club awards across NSW and ACT. If successful at a District level, along with a $US1500 prize, you will then be put forward into the International Award, which is awarded to up to 10 recipients each year, and is valued at $US4000.
In this way, we hope to be a small part in assisting more women to take up roles in decision making positions across the country.
In 2018, three representatives from Australia were successful at an International level, representing District 22 (Qld), District 23 (NT, Tas, SA, WA and Vic) and District 24 (NSW & ACT). Read more about the successful candidates here.
To see the information for applications for the Young Women in Public Affairs award, you can find the application form here 2019YWPAApplication.
To find out more information, or to apply, please contact us below.
Zonta Club of Sydney 