Me and Amelia
Written by Sheila Graham, Amherst Area Club Wednesday, 28 December 2011 02:54
I discovered a rather amazing fact a few weeks ago. Amelia Earhart and I have a lot in common. Well, except for the flying. She was a pilot and I'm not. Oh, and she was the first woman to receive the United States Distinguished Flying Cross for her solo flight across the ocean. I don't recall ever receiving one of those. And yes, she did write a few best sellers on flying and I do admit to not quite finishing - or starting - a book yet. And she formed the 99's a female pilots association, but why would I do that if I don't fly? So except for those things we have a lot in common. Oh, I almost forgot. She was a member of the National Women's Party and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. So now we're talking turkey. That's where the big similarity is!
Amelia Earhart belonged to Zonta, an international, predominately women's group involved in advancing the status of women world wide. And I'm a member of Zonta too! So even though I'm not a pilot, were Amelia to reappear, we would have a common thread. Old Amelia would give me the time of day because we are both Zontians.
I recently attended a District Conference hosted by the Amherst and Area Zonta Club, a club of which I have been a member for about three years. It can be somewhat mired in rules, procedure and regulation and I admit to finding confusion with that. But after attending and participating, I better understand the need for such quasi-pomp. I'm okay with it now. I am a convert. Prior to attending, I thought of our group as being somewhat local, but with the out of country participants, the speakers, and the topics of discussion I have a new appreciation for the big picture and its international good.
Advancing the status of women world wide. That's a big commitment in a world where many countries don't hesitate to show their lack of respect for girls and women. I have heard it said that some countries, while outwardly not appearing to give consideration to the women, actually do, and that the women really are the ones with control and authority but in a subversive way. And to that I say bull pucky! I recently purchased a book by Nellie McClung, one of the early suffragettes and she indicates those who say "all they are they owe to their mothers", or "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" are kidding themselves. If women had this influence, she asks, why is there so much confusion in the world. Do we really think our mothers (who apparently are really in control) are in agreement with constant wars, the sex trade, and lack of education and proper health care for so many?
Zonta seeks to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy. It supports projects in 46 countries, provides scholarships and awards to women worldwide and has been a powerful advocate for change in international communities thus transforming a woman's place in it. Things like the Amelia Earhart Fellowship geared to females in aerospace related studies, the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship for those with outstanding potential in business related fields, and the Young Women in Public Affairs Award for those who demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes all contribute to improving the lives of women. Zonta's support of programs which increase women's access to economic independence through micro-credit programs and technical skills training has spin-off value in the production and marketing of goods. Annually our local Amherst and Area Club awards the Kim Wry Bursary to a mature female who is improving herself through education. We also support Autumn House, International Women's Day activities, and GoGirl/Girl Power, self-esteem workshops for your daughters, nieces and granddaughters aged 9 to 13. Our main fundraisers are ticket sales for a huge basket of donated items from Zontians, as well as our participation at the Zonta BaZaar Cafe with the Fibre Arts Festival.
However, like the cigarette ad of years ago, some would say "we've come a long way, baby", and maybe it's time to accept that things are fine now. But when I think of those three teen sisters and a woman who were recently drowned in Ontario possibly as a result of a suspiciously veiled but yet to be proven honour killing, I know we haven't moved at all.
Amelia and I would have a lot to talk about and none of it would have to do with flying.
