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 →

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

So much stems from rivers. Protecting these waterways, and fresh water in Canada, is at the heart of our work at the #CanadaWaterAgency🌊 Happy World Rivers Day!Rivers have shaped Canada’s geology, biology, history and culture. They carve out beautiful scenery, support diverse ecosystems and communities, and connect us to the fresh water around us.So much stems from rivers. Protecting these waterways, and fresh water in Canada, is at the heart of our work at the #CanadaWaterAgency. Through the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives, the Agency is taking action to protect and restore major rivers and their basins in Canada, including the St. Lawrence, Wolastoq/Saint John, Mackenzie and Fraser river systems. 💙 ...
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Callout to Artists for the WISE 2026 GBV Art Event commemorating the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence. Adults and youth are welcome to submit. All submissions are awarded with special awards for extraordinary entries.The event is on November 30th., 2026 6:30-8:30 pm at SAW Gallery and free to the public.Please submit your interest by October 20th. See poster for details! ...
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#RememberHonourAct #TruthAndReconciliation #HonourSurvivorsResidential school denialism attempts to minimize, distort or deny the experiences of Survivors and the documented history of residential schools. It causes further harm and undermines meaningful reconciliation.Survivors should not have to defend their truth. We all have a responsibility to challenge denialism, confront misinformation and stand with Survivors.#RememberHonourAct #TruthAndReconciliation #HonourSurvivors ...
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#GECO #antisexisttoolkit #genderequality #antisexist #workplacetraining #timeforchangeWhat if sexism isn't just a people problem—but a systems problem?Most organizations don't intend to create cultures where sexism persists.Yet it happens every day.It shows up in who gets heard. Who gets promoted. Who is interrupted. Who feels safe to speak up. Who decides to leave.What if there was another way?The Anti-sexist Toolkit challenges us to stop simply reacting to sexism and start preventing it. It offers a new way of thinking—one that moves beyond awareness and toward meaningful action.This isn't about blame.It's about building workplaces, schools, organizations, and communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and succeed.The Anti-sexist Toolkit invites us to ask difficult questions, rethink long-held assumptions, and create cultures where equity isn't an aspiration—it's part of everyday practice.We're incredibly excited to begin sharing this work, and we can't wait to see where these conversations lead.Because real change doesn't happen by accident.It happens on purpose.Are you ready to be part of the conversation?Message us to learn more about the Anti-sexist Toolkit and how your organization can get involved.#GECO #AntiSexistToolkit #GenderEquality #AntiSexist #WorkplaceTraining #TimeForChange ...
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