International Women’s Day 2026
Combined (four) Zonta Clubs of Christchurch.
What a truly fabulous evening we shared together celebrating International Women’s Day 2026. With around 90 incredible people in the room, the energy, warmth and sense of purpose were simply inspiring.
On behalf of the combined Christchurch Zonta Clubs, thank you to every single guest, awardee and supporter who chose to spend your evening celebrating women and girls with us. In a busy world, giving your time to honour this important day means more than you know.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful event sponsors at Forsyth Barr Christchurch, especially Sarah, Ashleigh speaking on Women’s wealth and investment. And your team, for your generous support and encouragement in bringing this special evening to life. Your sponsorship helps us continue to advocate, empower and make meaningful change.
We were privileged to hear from our outstanding guest speakers, Juanita Hepi and Gina Haines, whose wisdom, insight and authenticity moved us all. They were truly inspiring and moving. Thank you!
We were also honoured to hear from Phillippa Jacobs-Lory, Director of Zonta International, who shared insights into the ZI Laaha Project in partnership with UNICEF. Phillippa spoke powerfully about how this groundbreaking digital platform is empowering women and girls in crisis-affected regions with access to education, safety, and support. It was inspiring to hear firsthand how Zonta’s global advocacy is creating real, measurable impact in the lives of women and girls around the world.
One of the most special moments of the evening was celebrating our exceptional award recipients:
Ruby Trewinnard – Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award, Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury.
Heidi Allan – STEM Award, Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury.
Abby Johnson – Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award, Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury.
Tiffany Ilot – Zonta Club of South Christchurch Award and District 16 Award recipient
A special congratulations to Tiffany for also receiving the District 16 Award — an outstanding achievement and so richly deserved.
These remarkable young women embody leadership, innovation, service and courage. Your dedication and achievements inspire us all, and we are so proud to recognise you.
For over a century, Zonta International has worked to advance the status of women worldwide. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work still to be done, and recommit to building a world where women’s rights are recognised as human rights.
This year, we were reminded of something beautifully simple:
You don’t have to feel like a leader to be leading.
You don’t have to feel inspiring to be inspiring.
You don’t have to do something extraordinary to matter.
Just by being YOU… as mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, friends and colleagues – you are making a difference in ways you may never fully see.
So tonight, and every day, let’s celebrate each other.
Let’s acknowledge the strength, care and resilience in the women around us.
Let’s continue to stand together and say YES to gender equality and NO to violence against women.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue our journey to
BUILD A BETTER WORLD FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS.