Swiss Stories

Frauenstreik

Women's strikes in Switzerland: from one 14 June to another

Society
It is 14 June 2019, and a purple wave is sweeping the streets of Switzerland's largest cities. In fact, it's the second time that Swiss streets have been bathed in purple, the colour of the women’s movement. The first time was 28 years ago, in 1991. A vast number of Swiss women are demonstrating for their rights, specifically – equality. Strikes are relatively rare in Switzerland, as the right to strike is subject to precise conditions listed under Article 28 of Switzerland's constitution. Before it comes to a strike, labour conflicts are often resolved through mediation between the unions and employers. Why are women's strikes an exception in the history of Swiss labour disputes? We look back at two historic days of mobilisation in a country seen as a model of social harmony.
Revario

A Swiss start-up in the race for sustainable and locally produced clothing

Society
Founded by an environmentally conscious trail running enthusiast, the Vaud-based start-up develops high-performance, eco-friendly sportswear while pulling off the feat of 100% local production.
Rita Christen

Rita Christen, the first female president of the Swiss Mountain Guides Association

Society
Rita Christen is the first woman to be elected president of the Swiss Mountain Guides Association (SMGA) in the organisation's more than 100-year history. This 54-year-old from Disentis is a mountain guide, a lawyer and much more besides.
Ajla Del Ponte, Sarah Atcho, Mujinga Kanbundji et Salomé Kora

Swiss sprinters: the women's dream team

Society
Fourth at the last World Championships in Doha in 2019, the Swiss women in the 4 x 100 metres relay will be aiming for a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. They represent Switzerland and have roots in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Congo and Bosnia, which is also their strength.

by Bertrand Monnard

Patrizia Danzi

A woman who observes, listens and forges ahead

Society
Portrait of Patricia Danzi, head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. When Swiss women won the right to vote at federal level in February 1971, Danzi was just two years old. "I was too young to realise what was going on, but my grandmother gained something tangible that day. It was like being liberated – finally, her voice counted. "
KT Gorique

KT Gorique: the Swiss artist taking the world of hip-hop by storm

Society
Swiss artist KT Gorique is fast securing her place in the temple of hip-hop as a force to be reckoned with. From street dance to the power of words, she has found her creative identity and is not about to let go. Her music reaches from Switzerland to West Africa, resonating in Italy, Germany and France as well as the US and Canada.
Christine Schraner Burgener visits the Thet Kel Pyin Muslim Internally Displaced Persons camp in Sittwe, Rakhine State, Western Myanmar (2018)

Women in Peace Processes

Society
A little over twenty years ago, on 31 October 2000, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1325. With this pioneer resolution, the Security Council recognized for the first time that women’s active and meaningful involvement in political and security decision-making processes is linked with building sustainable peace and security. Two decades later, the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda is slow to progress. As women are at the forefront in responding to crises in their communities and building dialogue and trust in times of conflict, they tend to be excluded from shaping the future of the societies they live in. Switzerland has a long history of engaging in the resolution of conflicts and is a trusted partner in peacebuilding. How are women included in these efforts? Four women working in this field in various roles share with us their views on women’s participation in peace processes.