Zonta Club of Annapolis
Speaking Out Against Child Marriage: The Zonta Club of Annapolis joins
Zonta International and UNICEF in the cause of ending child marriage.
Advocate for change to Maryland marriage laws
Maryland lawmakers Vanessa Atterbeary and Sarah Elfreth’s Baltimore Sun commentary “Bring Maryland out of the Dark Ages by ending coerced teen marriages” highlights the harmful effects of child marriage and the need for changes in Maryland law. Zonta clubs across Maryland are uniting with Zonta International and UNICEF to end child marriage in our state.
Please click on this LINK and tell your State Representatives to protect Maryland children.
Child Marriage is a violation of human rights: Learn More
Surprisingly, many people do not know that with parental consent, current Maryland law allows children as young as 15 years old to marry! Studies show that the costs of marriage before 18 years of age are devastating. These marriages have a greater probability of subjecting minors to sexual assault, human trafficking, mental abuse, early pregnancy (which is the leading cause of death for young women ages 15-19) and a 50% greater likelihood of youths dropping out of school. As bad as these early impacts are on our children, there are also long-term costs on both these youngsters and society: 70% to 80% of these marriages are more likely to end in divorce and double the chance that these individuals will spend their lives in poverty
Learn more about child marriage and its harmful effects at these links:
Zonta International Zonta USA Caucus UNICEF-USA UNICEF
Who We Are
The Zonta Club of Annapolis (ZCOA) is a member club of Zonta International. Chartered in 1929 as the 58th club of Zonta International, the ZCOA has been active in the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County community for 90 years.
Locally, the ZCOA works to advance the status of women through scholarships and financial support for local agencies that provide direct services to women.
Through support of the Zonta International Foundation, the ZCOA empowers women around the world.
Zonta International, established in 1919, consists of 1,249 clubs with 30,000 members within 67 countries.
ZONTA MISSION
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
ZONTA VISION
Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.
In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men.
In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.
Our Objectives
- To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.
- To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of decision making members.
- To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the world.