Zonta International Walks for Gender-Equal Climate Action

Zonta International will hold a Zonta Says NOW walk in Vancouver, Canada, on 11 July to advocate for gender-equal climate action. Research indicates that women face greater challenges than men when recovering from severe weather events, underscoring persistent gender inequalities that restrict women's access to essential resources and opportunities during and after climate crises. As climate-related disasters increase, the disparities between men and women become more pronounced, complicating the rebuilding process for women.

In the aftermath of extreme weather events, women encounter significant challenges and heightened risks, including gender-based violence, loss of life, and unemployment. Young girls are particularly affected, often facing forced early marriages or sacrificing their education. Zonta International is urging all government bodies to take urgent measures to address these critical issues. The organization also calls on communities to prioritize the needs of women and girls and ensure their full participation in environmental decision-making and sustainability efforts before disasters occur.

Vancouver is recognized as one of the world's most environmentally-conscious cities, having nearly achieved complete reliance on renewable electricity, innovative urban planning, and ambitious climate action targets. The city serves as a model of harmony between environmental responsibility and climate justice, making it an exemplary location for the Zonta Says NOW Walk.

Zonta International advocates for women and girls both globally and locally, aiming to create greener, cleaner, and fairer societies through the Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action campaign and the Climate Empower: Community Empowerment and Innovation for Gender-Transformative Climate Action initiatives. The organization encourages the global community to engage in the Zonta Says NOW campaign and recognize the collective responsibility to protect the planet. Together, Zonta International believes it is possible to build a better world for women and girls by fostering a more just and equitable response to climate issues.

Zonta International is a global organization active in 65 countries, working to improve the lives of women and girls. The organization envisions a world where women's rights are acknowledged as human rights, allowing every woman to reach her full potential. In this vision, women have equitable access to resources and are represented in decision-making positions alongside men, ensuring that no woman lives in fear of violence.