What Is the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award?
The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award aims to encourage young women to pursue leadership roles in public life or business and thereby become influential contributors in society, helping to build a more just world for women and girls. In 2026, Zonta International will award 37 prizes of USD 5,000 each.
Who Is Eligible?
Women aged 16–19 as of 1 April of the relevant year are eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
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Experience in local government, student government, or leadership roles in the workplace (paid or unpaid)
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Achievements in volunteer leadership
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Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs
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Support for Zonta International’s mission to build a better world for women and girls
How to Apply
The application process always begins with a local Zonta club. Find and contact the Zonta club in your area to learn about the club’s application deadline, contact person and submission address. Clubs in Finland and Estonia can be found here. If there is no Zonta club near you, you may apply through the Zonta e-Club of Finland.
Application instructions and the application form (download the application form for yourself)
Only typed applications will be accepted and reviewed. Applications must be completed in English and submitted as a single PDF file by the deadline set by the club.
Do not be discouraged by the English-language instructions and forms — your local club can provide assistance if needed.
What Must the Application Include?
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A completed official application form
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Verification of current enrollment from a school or educational institution representative
or
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A letter from an employer confirming employment
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Two recommendations from adults who are not related to the applicant (for example, teachers, school representatives, supervisors or community leaders). Recommendations must be sent directly to the Zonta club, not through the applicant.
Unsolicited supplementary materials will not be considered. All applications and supporting materials become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority in all matters related to the award.
All documents (except recommendations) must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted to the address provided by the club by the stated deadline.
How Does the Process Proceed?
Each Zonta club selects one application to be forwarded to the district scholarship committee. The district committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to be submitted to Zonta International Headquarters.
The team at Zonta International Headquarters verifies the eligibility of the district nominees and submits its recommendation to the Zonta International Board (or its authorized executive committee) for final approval.
Following Board approval, the Zonta Foundation for Women grants the awards and certificates to the international award recipients.