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Young Women in Public Affairs Award
A Zonta International Program, Funded by the Zonta International Foundation
General Information
The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to encourage young women to
participate in public affairs by recognizing the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership
achievements and a dedication to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
‘Public affairs’ refers to all aspects of community life where decisions have to be made about issues which relate to and affect
those communities in which people work and live.
In order for more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to
pursue careers or seek leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations and further their
education with these aims in view.
The Awards
Zonta clubs usually provide awards for club recipients who later may be selected for a district/region award of US$1,500. Ten
international recipients are selected from the district/region recipients to receive additional awards of US$5,000 each.
District/region and international awards are funded by the Zonta International Foundation.
Who is Eligible?
Women, aged 16-19 on 1
st
April each year, living in a Zonta district/region, or who are citizens of a Zonta country, who
demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
❑ Active commitment to volunteerism.
❑ Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
❑ Volunteer leadership achievements.
❑ Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
❑ Support for Zonta International’s mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-
club or directly to the district to be eligible for the district/region and international awards. Z and Golden Z club members are
also eligible to apply. Classified members (club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International) and
employees of Zonta International and Zonta International Foundation, and their family members (ancestors, descendants,
adoptees, siblings, nieces or cousins, and those of their spouse or co-habiting partner), are not eligible to apply for the Awards.
Previous International Young Women in Public Affairs Award recipients are not eligible to apply.
How Do I Apply?
Complete an official application in English. Please note that only typed applications will be accepted and considered. All non-
English documents must be translated into English. The following documents are to be submitted in the application package.
Application Requirements
❑ Completion of the official application (may be downloaded from the Zonta International website, www.zonta.org).
❑ Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or
❑ Letter from employer stating employment (if applicable).
❑ Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials/employee supervisors or
community leaders, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district/region and not through the applicant.
Supporting documentation not requested will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the
property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the Awards.
Application Process
The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the printed
deadline. If you downloaded the application from the Zonta International website, you must contact a Zonta club for deadline
information. Please locate the Zonta club nearest you using the Club Locator at www.zonta.org, or e-mail your name and
contact information to Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org.
Zonta clubs each select one application to send to the Zonta governor/region representative. A district/region
evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district/region to submit to Zonta
International Headquarters. The Zonta International YWPA Committee recommends 10 international recipients from
the district/region applications to the Zonta International Board. If approved by the Zonta International Board, the Zonta
International Foundation provides awards and certificates to the district/region and international recipients.