The Zonta Ashburton International Women’s Day Breakfast is back for its 26th year. We talk to guest speakers Margo and Rosa Flanagan about what we can expect. 

Empowering women through service and advocacy, Zonta International is a global organisation with a vision to have ‘women’s rights recognised as human rights’ and help every woman ‘achieve her full potential’. 

The organisation is striving to ensure women have access to ‘all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence’. 

Zonta Ashburton, along with their contemporaries work tirelessly to implement this vision through fundraising, awareness meetings, service projects and collaborations. Many of you will already be aware of their annual breakfast event as part of International Women’s Day and this year is once again not to be missed, with Margo and Rosa Flanagan of Two Raw Sisters taking centre stage. 

While the dynamic sister duo rose rapidly to fame with their plant-based eating and mouth-watering cookbooks, and often present a happy-go-lucky persona, behind the scenes they have faced their share of challenges. ‘Like many we have had our struggles,’ shares Rosa, ‘from my training obsession to Margo’s endo, gut issues and chronic fatigue. But they are also what have inspired us. 

‘We are excited to be part of Zonta Ashburton’s annual event and share a more in-depth insight into our health journeys and how this has inspired our food.’ 

Inspiration that they are hoping will not only ignite a pathway to plant-based eating for others, but help them overcome their own issues. ‘We want people to know they aren’t alone,’ explains Margo. ‘When we do open up and share our thoughts and challenges around these issues we are always surprised by how many people can relate to them. How many share the experience. Helping people has become part of the reason behind what we do.’ 

I for one am excited to hear more from these vibrant young women; as while their recipes (particularly the sweet treats) are well worth a try, they are about much more than just cooking. 

Margo and Rosa Flanagan’s presentation at the Zonta Ashburton International Women’s Day Breakfast, 5 March 8.30 am – 11.00 am at Hotel Ashburton is not to be missed.

Limited tickets available from Todd’s of Ashburton. Tickets $40 per person, including breakfast.