First newsletter by our D27 Governor Ria Matthijssens

20 November 2024

First newsletter by our D27 Governor Ria Matthijssens




Dear Zontians of District 27

As we stand on the eve of one of our most impactful initiatives, Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, I am both honored and excited to serve as your Governor for the 2024–2026 biennium.

To help you connect with the leadership of our district for this term, I invite you to explore our newly updated website. There, you will find profiles of the Executive Board, the Area Directors for our seven areas, and the chairs of our various committees.




Our journey began in Bremen from September 27 to 29, where we held our first District Board Meeting. The Zontians of ZC Bremen offered a warm welcome, and the event was perfectly organized. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet many new ones.

Key Items Discussed

  • The Convention in Brisbane:
    We worked diligently on presentations, but we also found time for enjoyment. Read more >
  • Biennial Goals for 2024–2026
    We carefully reviewed and discussed our priorities for the upcoming biennium. Learn Goals >
  • Club Life: With the four biennial goals as our foundation, Area Directors have identified club life as a central focus for the coming months. We will work together to nurture vibrant and inspiring club environments. The significance of this work is underscored by the upcoming anniversaries of several clubs.
  • Youth Engagement and Awards:
    We will continue to prioritize young people, with special attention given to the Zonta International awards. As of now, 5 international awards have been presented.
  • Young Zonta Conference Bruges:
    In a special effort to engage youth, Area 05 is organizing the Young Zonta Conference in Bruges on March 1, 2025. Save the date >
  • Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a particularly busy year:
    • The CSW (Commission on the Status of Women) will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from March 10 to 24. Learn more >
    • The European Inter-District Seminar will take place in Copenhagen from May 2 to May 4. Register now >
    • 3th District Board Meeting in the Brussels Area, as from 23 till 25 th of May.


District Conference Osnabrück

And of course, our District Conference will take place in Osnabrück from October 3–5, 2025!

Much has already been accomplished by the ZC Osnabrück Westfälischer Friede in preparation for this event, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.

The conference will feature thought-provoking keynote speakers and a variety of workshops, all aimed at helping us reflect, innovate, and work together to build a better world for women and girls.


Returning to Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women: across our clubs and at the Area level, many incredible initiatives are already underway. I encourage you to explore Join Us in Saying NO, where you will find a wealth of resources and tools to support your own creative efforts. Stay tuned to social media as this campaign will certainly resonate widely in those spaces as well.

As we continue our work, I wish you all a productive and impactful campaign for Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women. I will connect with you again after our second District Board meeting in Metz, scheduled for January 10–12, 2025.

In the meantime, may you enjoy the coziness of winter and the upcoming holiday season!

Warmest Zonta greetings,

Ria Matthijssens

Governor, District 27 (2024–2026)

First newsletter by our D27 Governor Ria Matthijssens

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