International Honorary Members

The Zonta International Board awards International Honorary Membership to individuals who have helped to change societal attitudes about women, or have improved conditions for women beyond the national level. Since 1970, Zonta International has recognized 43 women for their significant contributions to advancing the status of women worldwide. A number of these are well known Australians.

Dr. Anne Gallagher AO

Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation; former Special Adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland; award-winning activist on human rights and human trafficking

Prof. Shirley Randell AO

Leading expert in public sector and institutional reform in developing countries, gender mainstreaming and human rights for women

Quentin Bryce AD

First female Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Dr Catherine Hamlin AC (deceased)

Gynecologist and co-founder of an hospital in Ethiopia that treats outcast women suffering complications from fistula and obstructed childbirth.

Helen Caldicott F.R.A.C.P.

Humanitarian leader in medical and nuclear education, and public advocate for nuclear disarmament

Dr. Fiona Stanley AC (Australia)

Specialist in children’s health, particularly focusing on the Aboriginal people of Australia

Gaby Kennard OAM

Successfully retraced and completed Amelia Earhart’s flight by circumnavigating the world solo in a single-engine aircraft

Kay Cottee AO

First woman to complete a solo, nonstop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe by sea