Young Women in Leadership Award

Applications Now Open
Deadline:
17 March 2025

Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (formerly the Young Women in Public Affairs Award) recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.

AWARD DESCRIPTION

The Young Women in Leadership Award honours young women aged 16 to 19, who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government, and volunteer organisations. The program operates at the Zonta Club, district/region and international levels. The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra provides an award for club recipients of $A1000, and $500 for the runner-up and there are 37 international awards of $US5000 which are funded by the Zonta International Foundation.

ELIGIBILITY
Women, aged 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district 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.
  • Advocating in Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.

Applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards. Previous district and international Young Women in Public Affairs Award recipients are not eligible to apply for the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award.

Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the Awards. 

APPLICATIONS
The application must start with a Zonta club – in this instance, the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra.
All application materials must be received at the club by Monday 17 March 2025

Send to info@zontamelbourneonyarra.org.au (E-mail submission is preferred. Electronic signatures may be used if available. Otherwise, the form will need to be printed, signed and scanned.)
Application forms and award information can be accessed http://www.zonta.org/YWLA
Details for the first section of the form that need to be completed are:
Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra
District 23, Area 1
c/- Suzanne Lees Young Women in Leadership Award Convenor
Victoria Australia
Mobile: 0400753007; Email: sue.lees@iinet.net.au

Please ensure that all required personal information is completed.

PAST WINNER
Phoebe Bourke of Sacre Coeur College Glen Iris was the Young Women in Public Affairs winner for 2023, for the Zonta club of Melbourne on Yarra and was recommended by D23 and ultimately became an international winner.
Read Phoebe’s bio – District 23 winner (p. 26)
https://www.zonta.org/images/docs/MyZonta/Tools/AwardScholarshipFellowshipTools/YWPA/2023YWPABios.pdf