Zonta Club of Lincoln participates in global activities for International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day

[March 18, 2014]  Globally, members of Zonta International, an organization dedicated to advancing the status of women and girls, celebrated International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day this month. In the week leading up to March 8, more than 30,000 Zontians from 66 countries devoted their efforts to raising awareness of the opportunities and challenges for women around the world through events, forums and service activities.

To celebrate International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day locally, on March 7 and 8 the Zonta Club of Lincoln presented a yellow rose to three downtown businesswomen: Melody Shew with MKS Jewelers, Jeanne Xamis with Serendipity Stitches and Mary Lanterman with Beans & Such.

Chris Huff, Zonta vice president; Melody Shew, rose recipient; Dr. Susan Harmon, Zonta president; and Marilyn Armbrust, membership chairman

Linda Churchill, Zonta service chairman; Jeanne Xamis, rose recipient; and Marilyn Armbrust, membership chairman

Chris Huff, Zonta vice president; Mary Lanterman, rose recipient; and Marilyn Armbrust, membership chairman

Starting in 2013 the Lincoln Zonta Club has annually recognized three businesswomen with the symbolic yellow rose.

"Working to protect and advance the rights of women and girls around the world is not an option, it's a necessity," said Lynn McKenzie, president of Zonta International. "Zontians and Zonta Clubs advocate, service and raise considerable funds to deliver vital programs directed to improving the lives of women worldwide."

McKenzie said that Zonta must work tirelessly and with other like-minded organizations and individuals to ensure that the future of a girl child born this year "is one where she is loved, healthy, safe, fed, happy and can live her dream."

This past year, Zontians have concentrated on the significant and debilitating impact that violence against women has on women, their families and community. Zonta's global campaign, "Zonta Says No," addressed violence against women, mobilizing Zonta's members to stand up and collectively condemn all forms of violence against women from Ibadan in Nigeria to Nepal, Korea, Bangladesh, Japan, Finland, Germany, Uruguay, North America and New Zealand.

Zonta Club of Lincoln offers an annual Women's Career Scholarship. Applications are due to Ruth Sloot at [e-mail] by March 28.

For more information about Zonta, visit www.zonta.org or email the local club at [e-mail].

[Text from file received from Zonta Club of Lincoln]