Learn more about our work

Building a better world for women and girls

For nearly 100 years, our members have advocated for gender equality, funded education, and worked to end violence against women — here in the National Capital Region and around the world.

Who We Are

Service and advocacy, side by side

The Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada is part of Zonta International, a global organization of individuals working to build a better world for women and girls. Since 1929, our members have combined hands-on service with advocacy — funding scholarships, supporting local women's organizations, and speaking up on issues from gender-based violence to equal representation.

We're a club of doers: individuals from across the National Capital Region who believe that lasting change happens through direct support and through changing the systems around us.

Learn more about our club →

What We Do

Our advocacy in action

Every project we take on serves one goal: expanding rights, safety, and opportunities for women and girls — locally and worldwide.

Ending Violence Against Women

Through the global Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, we raise awareness and support local organizations working with survivors during the 16 Days of Activism and year-round.

Education Awards

Our education awards open doors for young women — including the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award and Zonta Women in STEM Award — investing directly in the next generation of leaders.
See our education awards →

Local Service Projects

Our members give their time and skills to hands-on projects that support women and families in the National Capital Region — from donation drives to partnerships with local shelters and community organizations.

97

years serving Ottawa, Canada

Our Impact

Nine decades of showing up for women and girls

Since 1929, the Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada has been part of this city's story. Our causes have varied over the years. Our commitment to the education and empowerment of women and girls hasn't.

awards given out since 1984

dollars in education award funds given to women and girls since 1984

active members and growing

Be part of our next century!

Whether you're interested in membership, partnership, or learning more about our work empowering women and girls in the National Capital Region, reach out — there's a place for you here and we will get back to you soon!

Get Together

Upcoming events

From fundraisers to advocacy campaigns, our events are open to members and friends alike. Join us.

Scholarship Spotlight

Investing in the next generation

Sifa Gulin Tarakci  Jean M. Coon 2026 Humanitarian Award · 2026

Sifa is a Grade 12 student at Merivale High School whose community service is driven by a deep commitment to inclusion. As a Muslim immigrant woman, she is dedicated to inclusivity and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Some of her notable initiatives include founding the Panorama Multicultural Festival, which drew over 650 attendees and raised more than $1,000 for a non-profit supporting newcomers and launching a women's swim initiative so Muslim women in her community could stay active without compromising their religious values.

Learn about our scholarships →

Cover for Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
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Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada

Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada

Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada
1929-2026 Celebrating 97 years of Service and Advocacy to Women Girls in Canada’s NCR

#IWSO #MenstrualEquity #periodpoverty #VolunteerOttawa #CommunityVolunteers #menstrualhealth #equity #ottawaBecome a Menstrual Equity Volunteer with IWSO!⁠Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) is looking for community volunteers to help lead important conversations about menstrual health and equity across Ottawa. ⁠Through our Menstrual Equity Project, volunteers will help deliver free workshops to organizations, schools, and workplaces—dispelling stigma, promoting safe menstrual hygiene practices, and empowering women and girls to advocate for better access to care.⁠Who can join?⁠✨ Community members passionate about making a difference⁠✨ No medical background required—we provide full training!⁠✨ Facilitators who can present in English, French, Arabic, Dari, or Farsi are especially welcome.⁠Help us create more open, informed, and equitable conversations about menstrual health in our community.⁠Interested in volunteering? Scan the QR code to register!⁠#IWSO #MenstrualEquity #PeriodPoverty #VolunteerOttawa #CommunityVolunteers #MenstrualHealth #Equity #Ottawa ... See MoreSee Less
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#advocacy #16daysofactivism #policymakers #OrangeTheWorld #ZontiansInAction #womenThe 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), highlighting the need to end violence against women and girls. Created in 1991 by activists, it is coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership.What is your Club planning for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism?During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, WE can be powerful advocates for change. You can start by educating yourselves and your peers about the campaign’s history and goals, social media, or even discussions to raise awareness. Organizing poster displays, art exhibits, or spoken-word events can give survivors’ voices a platform. You can collaborate with local organizations to host workshops on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. Writing letters to policymakers or creating petitions can push for stronger protections and resources. Wearing campaign colors or symbols each day can spark conversations and show solidarity. By combining creativity, research, and community engagement, you can spread the message but also inspire others to take action. Advocacy during these 16 days is about turning awareness into tangible steps toward a safer, more equitable world. #advocacy #16daysofactivism #policymakers #OrangeTheWorld #zontiansinaction #women ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW)'s post ... See MoreSee Less
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