In 1995, when the Beijing Platform for Action was adopted, the global average proportion of women in parliament was just 11 percent. Today, women hold 22.7 percent of seats in the world’s national parliaments as of 1 December 2015. Although this figure has doubled in the last 15 years, many barriers remain to women’s political participation and gender parity in political representation across the globe. Recognizing that to bring about sustainable changes that benefit all of humanity, women must have equal participation in the decision-making process, Zonta International established the Young Women in Public Affairs Award in 1990.
The Award recognizes 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. To learn more, please contact a Zonta club near you.
This is from when I was awarded Zonta Club of Toronto’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award. I was awarded it through my involvement in politics and my community. I wasto sit and talk with lots of business women and learn about the things they do.
I later went on to be awarded the Zonta District 4 Young Women in Public Affairs Award and then one of five around the world to be awarded the International Award.
I was also featured in a couple news outlets, including the Beach Metro ...
...and the East York Mirror/Inside Toronto.
My old high school event put up a post!
