Ms Bateman is a 22-year veteran of the worldwide organisation and has served several positions at club and district levels.

The new director is one of seven - from a field of 13 candidates from around the world - to lead the organisation that boasts some 32 districts and almost 30,000 members.

"It is an honour. I will bring enthusiasm and hard work to the role," Ms Bateman said.

"Worldwide we have 1200 clubs in 67 countries.

"Each of the 13 candidates were nominated and given three minutes to address the international convention held in Japan. The selection process involved addressing over 2200 fellow Zonta members.

"It was an amazing experience and I was fortunate to be elected for the two year term - from one biennial convention to the next."

Ms Bateman described her elevation to the international board as the pinnacle of her experience with Zonta.

She said her address to the convention outlined some of her strengths including, strategic planning and thinking, and the positive impact she had on the organisation during her term as a governor of Zonta.

"I told the convention that during my time as a governor at district level I had been tested many times," she added.

Ms Bateman said her vision for Zonta involved staying relevant in a rapidly changing world and to respond, fittingly and accurately, to those changes.

"Our role as directors will mean supporting the international president and to help move Zonta forward," she said.

"The seven directors come from diverse backgrounds but we will all ensure that we continue to raise awareness into Zonta and promote its achievements worldwide."

A non-government organisation, Zonta is a member - and has seats - at several United Nations committees.

The 11-member international board will hold its meetings at Zonta International headquarters in Chicago.uarie