Zonta responds to wildfires in Maui

As news of the devastating wildfires that swept through Maui and consumed the historic town of Lahaina reached Zonta International and our members around the world, our thoughts immediately went to all those individuals who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses.

District 9 Governor Debbie Angwood and Lieutenant Governor Gloria Salas have been in contact with President Edie Ignacio Neumiller from the Zonta Club of Kauai and Past Governor Julie Tulang from the Zonta Club of Hilo on the Big Island. According to Edie and Julie, the fires and smoke from Maui are not affecting any Zonta clubs on Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island, and all our Hawaiian members are safe and accounted for.

These fires in Maui come on the heels of fires that continue to rage in Canada, as well as fires in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and other parts of our Zonta world. Our thoughts are with all those affected across the world.

While Zonta International is not a disaster response or relief organization, we know that women and girls face unique challenges in times of crises. Therefore, we will continue to call on all governments to include women in the formation of disaster preparedness and response plans before disaster strikes. These plans should:

• Recognize the unique needs of women and girls.
• Prioritize their health and safety.
• Include responses to gender-based violence.

For more information about Zonta International’s work around gender-equal climate action, please visit https://zonta.org/zontasaysnow.

15 AUGUST 2023