Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award

Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award

You get a one-time cash award of about EUR 9,200 (US$10,000). You also get a free one-year supporting membership in Zonta International, a global service organisation for women. You can spend the money on anything you like. Zonta International funds ten of these awards worldwide each year through its Rose Fund. The award recognises young women who show strong leadership in business and who work on issues affecting women and girls, or on climate justice.

Who can apply

• Gender: You are a woman.
• Age: You are between 18 and 35 when you apply.
• Field: You study or work in a business-related field.
• Leadership: You can show leadership skills, an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical conduct.
• Impact: You have done real work on issues affecting women and girls, or on climate justice.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. The 2025 winners came from Canada, the USA, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Ghana, Nepal, Japan, Bulgaria and more.
• Not eligible: Zonta club members, Zonta International staff, people involved in the selection, and past winners of this award. You also cannot apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award in the same round.

How to apply

You apply through a local Zonta club. Find your club using the Club Locator on zonta.org, or ask Zonta International Headquarters. Each club sets its own deadline and picks one applicant to send to the district. The district then forwards one applicant to the international jury. Applications for 2025 are closed. The next round opens in September 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 10 women win worldwide, so the competition is real. You also pass through club and district rounds before reaching the international jury. What sets applicants apart is a clear, documented record of business leadership plus concrete work on women's issues or climate justice, not grades alone. If you fit that profile and approach a local club early, you have a genuine shot.