Celebrating Zonta’s International Service Projects in October

October is the month we celebrate the many international service projects of Zonta.

Zonta International is passionate about providing life-changing opportunities for women and girls through international service. By partnering with agencies of the United Nations and other recognized non-governmental organizations, Zonta has improved women’s health, provided better economic opportunities and prevented gender-based violence in 71 countries.

Tonight we had Rinad Tamimi as our welcome guest. Rinad was born in Hebron, Palestine and has been living in Ōtepoti Dunedin since 2008. She told us of the challenges moving to a far away country with her family as a young teenager and adapting to a new culture, and especially the Dunedin weather!

Rinad is now a full-time worker, proud wife and mother and has a radio show on OAR FM Radio where she raises awareness of the situation in her country of birth. She shared her family’s concerns for the relatives and friends living in areas of strife and war.

Our Advocacy Committee presented the plans for the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. We will be visible at the Farmers’ Market and Meridian Mall to raise awareness and providing information on the resources available in the community for people who need help.

Our meeting place, The Dunedin Club, served us a delicious musakhan bread for dinner, a traditional Palestinian dish and Ka’ak El Eid (Festive Date Filled Cookie Rings) with coffee.