Thank you for choosing Government House as the venue for this most important occasion. I understand that this is the 40th anniversary of the Victoria Zonta Club and that we are honouring its founding president, Phoebe Noble.

I understand that Phoebe Noble celebrated her 90th birthday last year and was a volunteer in the gardens here at Government House. It is fitting that we have come together to recognize and honour her for her vision and commitment to improving the lives of women in Victoria.

Every time I have to speak with a group like Zonta, if I have the time I like to do some research about that organization. My research into Zonta has informed me that it is an international organization that began in Buffalo, New York, in 1919; that it is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the status of women politically, legally, professionally and in all facets of life.

I wondered about the words “the status of women” and learned that 70 per cent of the world’s poor are women; that two-thrids of the world’s illiterate adults are women; that two-thirds of the world’s children not in school are female; that 60 million women are missing due to violence and gender discrimination; that each year 4 million women and girls are bought and sold; that each month of each year 40,000 women die from pregnancy related causes. Needless to say, I have a great deal to learn from your organization about the status of women in the world.

I have learned that Zonta International enjoys NGOP status at the United Nations and has actively participated with the UN since its inception and,, more particularly, since 1985 in the Economic and Social Council level.

I have read the letter prepared by your current president Nancy Hughes, and reviewed the Victoria Club’s many activities that bring awards, bursaries and program services support to many of our Victoria citizens. “Life is empty if we do nothing to pass the days; life is great and wonderful if we work unceasingly for the betterment of mankind.” I am quoting from a book written by Taiwan Buddhists, called Jing Si Aphorisms.

I am truly honoured to be your host this afternoon and extend to you my congratulations on this your 40th anniversary in Victoria, and I wish to thank you on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for your unceasing and selfless contribution to women in particular and to all British Columbians generally.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8S 1V9

PHONE:(250) 387-2080

FAX:(250) 387-2078

EMAIL:ghinfo@gov.bc.ca

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