Zonta - West Illinois

08/01/2026

This week's advocacy topic: Access to affordable, reliable childcare is not simply a family issue—it is an economic issue and a women's rights issue. Women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, making them more likely to reduce work hours, decline career opportunities or leave the workforce when quality childcare is unavailable or unaffordable. These challenges are especially pronounced in rural communities, where families often struggle to find childcare close to home. Expanding access to affordable, dependable childcare is essential to removing barriers to women's workforce participation, advancing economic independence and creating greater opportunities for women to succeed in their careers and be able to pursue higher education, accept employment, grow a business or advance into leadership positions.

Access to affordable, reliable childcare is not simply a family issue—it is an economic issue and a women's rights issue. Women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, making them more likely to reduce work...

06/06/2026

Fast Action Friday Advocacy topic! Please read and take action. Gender-based violence continues to impact millions across the United States. Nearly 1 in 4 women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime, and 1 in 4 women report an attempted or completed r**e. Beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm, survivors often face serious economic consequences that affect their ability to recover, support their families, and safely leave abusive situations.

Gender-based violence continues to impact millions across the United States. Nearly 1 in 4 women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime, and 1 in 4 women report an attempted or completed r**e. Beyond the...

05/18/2026

Oklahoma just passed a bill for age 18, no exceptions- the 17th state to adopt. We continue to fight for this in Illinois. Bills are pending in other states, click here to see how you can take action.

helping women leave arranged/forced marriages

05/02/2026

Today's Fast Action Friday Advocacy Topic! Please review and take action. Comprehensive maternal health care for veterans is essential. Maternal care must include access to trained professionals who provide critical physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas have been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce complications and help address disparities in maternal care – particularly for those who may face higher risks or barriers to access.

Comprehensive maternal health care for veterans is essential. Maternal care must include access to trained professionals who provide critical physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas have been shown...

04/22/2026

Victim assistance programs in all 50 states in the USA receive funding from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. These programs support thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the country, including child advocacy centers, domestic violence agencies, and r**e crisis centers, which serve an average of 3.7 million victims per year. The funds supporting these programs are accumulated through fines, settlements, bonds, and other monetary penalties associated with federal criminal prosecutions, not taxpayer dollars.

Victim assistance programs in all 50 states in the USA receive funding from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. These programs support thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the country, including child...

04/04/2026

Our advocacy campaign this week- Support the Fair Housing for Survivors Act! Every day, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking are forced to make an impossible choice—stay with their abuser or risk homelessness.

Every day, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking are forced to make an impossible choice—stay with their abuser or risk homelessness.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women and...

04/03/2026

Wonderful time at the Area 2 spring workshop! Sustainability was the theme- learned about sustaining our members, food sustainability, and sustaining ourselves so we can continue to do great work in our communities and the world!