Dr Olabisi Awosanya, the Chairperson, Zonta International Club, United Nations District 18, has pledged continued support toward United Nations projects for better lives for women and girl-child.
Awosanya made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the United Nations Day celebration in Ibadan.
According to her, Zonta has funded a number of projects with the United Nations, some of which include: “Let us learn Madagascar (empowering programme for the child in Madagascar); Zonta supported with $1m (one million U.S dollars).
“Eid bi Eid (Hand in Hand) empowering Syrian refugees and Vulnerable Jordanians; Zonta supported with one million U.S dollars.
“Ending child marriage global programme to accelerate action to end Child Marriage Zonta supported with a sum of two million US dollars.”
On significance of the United Nations Day celebration, Awosanya said that Zonta International collaborative projects and funding with the United Nations would not have been realisable and achievable without “ZONTIANS” amazing membership, prompt payment of dues, commitment, diligence and unflinching supports.
“I must confess to you that more than ever before, the world needs service organisations like ZONTA for their contributions to the societies, nations and world at large.
“Therefore, my contention is that Zonta International needs more committed members; so, let us keep striving to attract more members. Zontians are the heart and hands of our organisation, without members, we are nothing.
“Finally, membership development, relationship building and retention is a duty for all members. Everyone must prepare to eat, drink and sleep ZONTA.
“Let us put our hands on deck to grow Zonta International. Priceless zontians, the benevolent, the charitable, the considerate, the rare breed and a special group of people who go out of their way to make life beautiful for others, the world needs you more than ever before,” she said.
According to her, Zonta International Club is collaborating on funding more projects with the United Nations during the 2022-2024 Biennium.
She highlighted some of the projects to include: engaging girls in climate change in Madagascar; Zonta Int’l intervention fund to United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) with support sum of 500,000 five hundred thousand U.S dollars.
Others were: Global programme to end Child Marriage phase two, Zonta is supporting UN with US$1.2 million; Adolescent girls health and protection in Peru, Zonta is support fund to UNICEF, USA is US $ 750,000.
“The last one is Her Health and Dignity, our Priority, Zonta International has committed US$ 750,000 to United Nations Population Fund ( UNFPA),” she said.
Awosanya noted that going forward, the club would always be willing and ready to build a better world for girls and women in the areas
of advocacy, empowerment, health, education, gender equity and so on. (NAN)