Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action

Climate change is a gender-equality issue

Climate change affects everyone, but its consequences are not experienced equally. Women and girls—particularly those living in poverty or communities vulnerable to disasters—often face greater risks from food and water insecurity, displacement, interrupted education, economic instability and gender-based violence.

At the same time, women remain underrepresented in many of the places where environmental policies, disaster planning and climate solutions are developed. Climate action is more effective and equitable when women participate fully in decisions affecting their families, communities and futures.

What is Zonta Says NOW?

Zonta Says NOW is Zonta International’s campaign for gender-equal climate action. It recognizes climate change as both a human rights issue and a barrier to achieving equality for women and girls.

Zonta is not an environmental or disaster-response organization. Our role is to bring a gender-equality perspective to climate action by raising awareness, supporting women’s leadership and advocating for fair, inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Through Zonta Says NOW, members and clubs are encouraged to:

• Learn about the relationship between climate change and gender inequality.

• Raise awareness within their communities.

• Advocate for gender-responsive environmental and disaster policies.

• Include women and girls in climate-related planning and decision-making.

• Support women leaders, scientists, educators and advocates working toward sustainable solutions.

• Incorporate environmentally responsible practices into club meetings, programs and events.

• Partner with organizations addressing climate justice and community resilience.

Zonta District 3 Says NOW

Across District 3, our clubs can turn awareness into meaningful local action. Activities may include educational programs, community cleanups, tree planting, recycling and waste-reduction initiatives, advocacy with elected officials, partnerships with environmental organizations, and programs highlighting women working in science, sustainability and climate leadership.

Clubs may also participate in Earth Day activities, invite experts to speak, support environmentally responsible community projects and share practical steps members can take at home, at work and through Zonta.

Every club’s approach may look different, but our shared goal remains the same: to help create a healthier, more sustainable and gender-equal world.

Take the Climate Pledge

The Zonta Says NOW Climate Pledge is a personal commitment to recognize climate change as a human rights and gender-equality issue.

By taking the pledge, individuals commit to learning about the unequal effects of climate change, making more sustainable choices, supporting women’s participation in climate leadership and advocating for fair, gender-responsive climate policies.

The climate is changing, and we need to change too.