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Our Values

We uphold human rights.

We act based on fundamental human rights with a special focus on women’s rights. We support the right to self-determined development.

We prioritize people

We place people and their relationships at the centre of our work focusing on socially disadvantaged girls and women. We treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of age, origin, ethnicity, gender, skin colour, language, religion, physical or mental abilities, political orientation, or sexual orientation. We strive to unfold the potential of people, especially girls and women, and enable them to have a peaceful, just, sustainable, and self-determined future.

We care for the environment

We advocate for the preservation of creation, climate protection, climate justice, and sustainability. We conscientiously care for the entire environment – soil, plants, trees, animals, water, and air.

We are reliable

We have a long-term perspective. Even when circumstances are challenging, we do not easily deviate from the jointly agreed-upon path and established partnerships.

We practice integrity

We expect the highest standards of personal and organizational integrity from each other. We are open and honest in dealing and communicating with our stakeholders. We treat each other with respect and speak the truth in love.

We manage responsibly

We handle the resources entrusted to us in the best and most responsible way. We are efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable to those we support and those who support us.

We are Learners

We consider local conditions and have a sensitivity to cultural values and practices. We foster intercultural dialogue and promote the exchange of experiences for mutual learning. We use mistakes as opportunities for learning.

OUR VISION >

WHAT WE DO >

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic leadership and supervision of the operational unit. The Board of Directors serves on a voluntary basis and is elected by the general assembly.

Gerhard Bärtschi

President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Gerhard Bärtschi has extensive professional experience in international cooperation within the NGO sector. He holds a master’s degree in rural development, a diploma in NPO management, and has served as the head of various aid organizations both in Switzerland and internationally Most recently, he was the country director for ZOA International in Afghanistan and later in Yemen.

Ursula Zimmermann

Vice President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Ursula Zimmermann works in the private sector. She initially spent many years as the head of administration/finance and accounting. She is currently the CEO of the same company. In addition to her role as CEO of an SME in process engineering, she is actively involved in various social initiatives on a voluntary basis.

Anna Abel

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Anna Abel is a recognized expert in development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Her broad professional experience includes areas such as sustainability, environment/energy, education, economic integration, and basic health. Anna holds a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Development and Cooperation from ETH Zurich, among other qualifications.

Céline Berner

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Céline Berner is a school principal and an art promoter. Her educational training and experience, her expertise in art and design, as well as her business studies, distinguish her as a committed leader with many facets. This is also evident in her diverse volunteer engagements.

Gerhard Bärtschi

President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Gerhard Bärtschi has extensive professional experience in international cooperation within the NGO sector. He holds a master’s degree in rural development, a diploma in NPO management, and has served as the head of various aid organizations both in Switzerland and internationally Most recently, he was the country director for ZOA International in Afghanistan and later in Yemen.

Ursula Zimmermann

Vice President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Ursula Zimmermann works in the private sector. She initially spent many years as the head of administration/finance and accounting. She is currently the CEO of the same company. In addition to her role as CEO of an SME in process engineering, she is actively involved in various social initiatives on a voluntary basis.

Anna Abel

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Anna Abel is a recognized expert in development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Her broad professional experience includes areas such as sustainability, environment/energy, education, economic integration, and basic health. Anna holds a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Development and Cooperation from ETH Zurich, among other qualifications.

Céline Berner

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Céline Berner is a school principal and an art promoter. Her educational training and experience, her expertise in art and design, as well as her business studies, distinguish her as a committed leader with many facets. This is also evident in her diverse volunteer engagements.

Gerhard Bärtschi

President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Gerhard Bärtschi has extensive professional experience in international cooperation within the NGO sector. He holds a master’s degree in rural development, a diploma in NPO management, and has served as the head of various aid organizations both in Switzerland and internationally Most recently, he was the country director for ZOA International in Afghanistan and later in Yemen.

Ursula Zimmermann

Vice President

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Ursula Zimmermann works in the private sector. She initially spent many years as the head of administration/finance and accounting. She is currently the CEO of the same company. In addition to her role as CEO of an SME in process engineering, she is actively involved in various social initiatives on a voluntary basis.

Anna Abel

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Anna Abel is a recognized expert in development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Her broad professional experience includes areas such as sustainability, environment/energy, education, economic integration, and basic health. Anna holds a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Development and Cooperation from ETH Zurich, among other qualifications.

Céline Berner

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Céline Berner is a school principal and an art promoter. Her educational training and experience, her expertise in art and design, as well as her business studies, distinguish her as a committed leader with many facets. This is also evident in her diverse volunteer engagements.

Dorothea Gebauer

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Dorothea Gebauer played a significant role in establishing a thriving private school in southern Germany, where she worked as a teacher. In addition, Dorothea worked as a journalist and communication specialist. In her second professional life, she earned an MBA in Leadership and Communication and underwent training as a fundraiser. Currently, Dorothea works as the Head of Communication and Fundraising in an internationally active aid organization.

Daniela Thüler

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Daniela Thüler has been active in the field of international cooperation for many years. In addition to her work in a medium-sized NGO, Daniela serves as a board member in other internationally active aid organizations. She is a recognized and experienced evaluation expert. As a Quality Assurance Manager, she ensures high-quality implementation and development of impact-oriented and sustainable projects and programs.

Christian Zysset

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Christian Zysset has been working in the trust industry and various leadership roles in finance and accounting for over 30 years. He now works independently in collaboration with an auditing firm. Christian has recognized expertise and broad practical knowledge in the accounting and finance of NGOs, acquired through his experience and diverse voluntary activities.

Dorothea Gebauer

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Dorothea Gebauer played a significant role in establishing a thriving private school in southern Germany, where she worked as a teacher. In addition, Dorothea worked as a journalist and communication specialist. In her second professional life, she earned an MBA in Leadership and Communication and underwent training as a fundraiser. Currently, Dorothea works as the Head of Communication and Fundraising in an internationally active aid organization.

Daniela Thüler

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Daniela Thüler has been active in the field of international cooperation for many years. In addition to her work in a medium-sized NGO, Daniela serves as a board member in other internationally active aid organizations. She is a recognized and experienced evaluation expert. As a Quality Assurance Manager, she ensures high-quality implementation and development of impact-oriented and sustainable projects and programs.

Christian Zysset

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Christian Zysset has been working in the trust industry and various leadership roles in finance and accounting for over 30 years. He now works independently in collaboration with an auditing firm. Christian has recognized expertise and broad practical knowledge in the accounting and finance of NGOs, acquired through his experience and diverse voluntary activities.

Dorothea Gebauer

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Dorothea Gebauer played a significant role in establishing a thriving private school in southern Germany, where she worked as a teacher. In addition, Dorothea worked as a journalist and communication specialist. In her second professional life, she earned an MBA in Leadership and Communication and underwent training as a fundraiser. Currently, Dorothea works as the Head of Communication and Fundraising in an internationally active aid organization.

Daniela Thüler

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Daniela Thüler has been active in the field of international cooperation for many years. In addition to her work in a medium-sized NGO, Daniela serves as a board member in other internationally active aid organizations. She is a recognized and experienced evaluation expert. As a Quality Assurance Manager, she ensures high-quality implementation and development of impact-oriented and sustainable projects and programs.

Christian Zysset

Board Member

On the Board since 2023

PROFILE

Christian Zysset has been working in the trust industry and various leadership roles in finance and accounting for over 30 years. He now works independently in collaboration with an auditing firm. Christian has recognized expertise and broad practical knowledge in the accounting and finance of NGOs, acquired through his experience and diverse voluntary activities.

Publications

Annual Report 2023

Strategy

Newsletter 01_2024 (in German)

Newsletter 02_2024 (in German)

Donate now

Become a Member now

Donate now

Become a Member now

Contact address

WOCEN
Women Climate Entrepreneurs

PO Box
4002 Basel
info[at]wocen.org

Bank connection

IBAN : CH13 0900 0000 1619 0106 0
BIC : POFICHBEXXX

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