• Despite the fact that women make up roughly 40% of the global workforce, the Inter-Parliamentary Union reports that just 25.5 percent of all national legislators were female as of April 1, 2021. 
• Because Zonta International believes that young women are the key to women's advancement in public service, it offers the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award, which honors young women between the ages of 16 and 19, for demonstrating leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to stay involved in public and political life.

Women, ages 16-19 on 1 April each year, living in a Zonta district/region, or a citizen of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply. 
 Active commitment to volunteerism.

• Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
• Volunteer leadership achievements.
• Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
• Support in Zonta International's mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

A Zonta club is required to begin the application process. 

By the specified deadline, all application documents must be received at a Zonta club. 

One application is chosen by each Zonta club and delivered to the district governor/region representative. 

The applications are reviewed by a district/region assessing committee, which chooses one applicant per district/region to send to Zonta International Headquarters.