A sold-out High Tea at the Kiama Leagues Club on 8 March brought together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate International Women’s Day, hosted by the Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour.

Emceed by local celebrant, Trish Fallon and organised by the enthusiastic local Zontian team, the event highlighted the organisation’s century-long mission of empowering women and girls locally and internationally.

Recently, the club made a significant donation to Bravehearts. Wendy Woodward, CEO of the local branch, was in attendance and shared that the funding will support programs teaching four to five classrooms of children about gender-based violence, emphasising that such behaviour is not normal.

The club was also privileged to contribute to the local Dress for Success branch, helping women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, or hardship gain confidence, professional skills, and support to re-enter the workforce.

Club president, Rita Sullivan spoke passionately about Zonta’s work, sharing her 25-year journey with the organisation.

She explained that Zonta — named from the Sioux word meaning “honest and trustworthy” — was founded in 1919 in Buffalo, USA, and has spent over a century advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, recognising them as fundamental human rights.

“The impact we can have together is extraordinary,” she said, outlining the club’s commitment to education, scholarships, grants, and service projects.

Among these, Zonta provides free breast cushions to support recovery after mastectomies and lumpectomies and distributes birthing kits to women and babies in developing countries, providing essential items for safe births.

Rita highlighted Zonta’s long-standing advocacy work, from engagement with the United Nations - dating back to the League of Nations era - to local initiatives supporting victims of domestic violence, homelessness, and gender-based inequity.

Recent contributions include donations to for educational programs on gender violence, and to the local branch, assisting women escaping violence or hardship to gain confidence and employment skills.

She emphasised the ongoing global struggle for equality, noting that, according to the United Nations, no country has achieved full legal equality for women and girls.

Signature Zonta projects include ending child marriage, combating female genital mutilation, and fighting human trafficking.

“Every week, at least two women are killed by someone they know,” she said. “We need every woman and every man to step up and stop this insidious, violent disease.”

The keynote address was delivered by Malika Elizabeth Reese -known simply as Malika to many across the Illawarra - whose inspiring story captivated the room.

Recently named Citizen of the Year at the City of Wollongong Awards in Wollongong, Malika was honoured for her outstanding contributions to community service, the arts, and advocacy.

Through music, storytelling, and education, she has become a passionate advocate for victims of violence, performing at countless local and national vigils, and working closely with organisations including the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.

Sharing personal anecdotes and reflections from her life, Malika delivered a powerful message about self-acceptance, resilience, and using life’s experiences to shape a positive future.

Among those attending the fabulous high tea put on by the Leagues club were Fiona Phillips MP, along with councillors Michael Cain, Yasmin Tatrai, Melinda Lawton and Imogen Draisma.

Also present were Serena Copley, Liberal candidate for Kiama and Katelin McInerney MP for Kiama, together with several long-serving Zontians. 

The Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour, which has been meeting in Kiama for the past two years, continues to seek new members.

The club offers flexible and unique membership opportunities for women passionate about advocacy, service, and community connection, inviting them to join a global network dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls both locally and worldwide.