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As we embark on the Biennium 2024 �Թ���-2026, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for electing me as Governor for District 24. I am deeply honoured and thrilled by this opportunity to serve our remarkable community.

In recent years, �Թ��� has increasingly defined itself as a human rights organization, uniting people worldwide to build a better world for women and girls. This mission is both succinct and powerful. In today’s world, where women and girls face mounting challenges—whether in achieving gender equality at work, grappling with the impacts of technology and AI, confronting the effects of climate change, or dealing with gender-based violence—our work is more crucial than ever.

Even after over a century of advocacy, the fight for equal representation in decision-making and workplaces continues. At the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, Hillary Clinton famously declared, "Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights." She highlighted the undervaluation and lack of recognition of women's work. We must ask ourselves: have we made significant progress since then? Are these issues still as relevant today?

This is why I am proud to be a Zontian. Alone, my voice may be small, but together with this extraordinary organization, we can effect change both locally and globally. �Թ��� International’s unique consultative status with the United Nations for 60 years underscores the significance of our work.

Within District 24, we support several impactful service projects, detailed on our website. We also engage with various women’s alliances to advocate for legislation affecting women and strengthen our efforts through �Թ��� Australia, representing our many thousands of members across the country. Through these efforts, we aim to positively impact the lives of women and girls.

Our membership is crucial to our success. We would not be where we are without the dedication of our passionate members. As we look to the future, it’s essential that our organisation reflects the diversity of our communities. I encourage you to think about who in your community might not yet be part of �Թ��� and invite them to join us.

If you are already a member, thank you for your tireless work on behalf of �Թ���. If you are not yet part of our organisation, we warmly welcome you to join our team.

I look forward to working with all of you during this biennium. Let us remember our district motto: “Care, Kindness & Respect” to all.

Yours in �Թ���

Bernardine Guy