Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Nearly 33,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas. The Confederation of Zonta Clubs was founded and organized in Buffalo, New York during 1919. The Confederation became Zonta International upon organizing the first European club, the Zonta Club of Vienna, Austria in 1930. In September of that year, Zonta International was incorporated in the State of Illinois, USA.

Zonta has Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF); United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); International Labour Organization (ILO); and Council of Europe. Zonta maintains operational relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and maintains representatives at United Nations sites in Geneva, New York, Paris and Vienna, at the Council of Europe in Bruxelles and Strasbourg.

Zonta seeks to:

• Improve the legal, political, economic, health, educational and professional status of women through service and advocacy;

• Work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions;

• Promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

• Be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, implement service programs, and provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations and the world.

Zonta works to advance the status of women by:

• Leading advocacy efforts and acting to improve the lives of women

• Promoting strategies to prevent violence against women

• Funding scholarships and awards for women of exceptional ability and talent through the Zonta International Foundation

•  Supporting programs aimed at improving women's health, safety, and economic and political status through funding by the Zonta International Foundation

• Encouraging mentorship, friendship and networking among members

Objectives of each individual Zonta Club:

• To promote the objectives of Zonta International;

• To stimulate the desire of each member to be of service and support international service projects;

• To promote good fellowship as an opportunity for service;

• To quicken the interest of each member in the welfare of the local community, and to cooperate with others in its civic, social, commercial, and industrial development.