there for humanity.

Thanks to you, we are now starting the renovation. Together, we are designing bright, friendly rooms, creating space for dancing and setting up a child-friendly area. Fatemeh is planning her first workshops for the spring: a repair service for the neighbourhood and sustainable sewing products. This will give her the opportunity to practise her German with the participants.

We were able to reach the final fundraising stage thanks to our charity dinner. On this special evening, guests were treated to the Fazili family's delicious Afghan cuisine – a moving moment that shows how much power there is in a community: when we all shine a small light, it creates a whole chain of lights – and many things can grow and come to light.

There is also more good news: in the new year, we will be collaborating with the Theater sogar and supporting the project ‘Hast du Power?’ (Do you have power?) by Zarina Tadjibaeva, artist and activist. She helps women with a refugee background to rediscover their own voice and expression.

Last but not least, some important information: due to current challenges, we have had to halve our fundraising target and are therefore unfortunately unable to produce a new Zurich Edition bag. However, as a small token of our appreciation, you will receive a voucher for a product from our sewing studio. If you still want a bag, you can choose one of the bags that were originally made on Lesbos and are still in stock. This way, you are supporting sustainability by using bags that already exist. Your contribution will remain visible.

Every donation has made a real difference and laid the foundation for many sustainable projects.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Aqila, Iulia, Fatemeh and Olivia

Preparations for Fatemeh's sewing studio are progressing rapidly. Together with Gaelle, a professional craftswoman, the women are setting up the studio. The interior is being designed from scratch – even the work tables are being built in-house. Step by step, a place is growing where women with refugee and migrant backgrounds can sew together, learn from each other and experience self-efficacy.

In order for the project to achieve its goal, around CHF 4,500 is still needed. To secure this final amount, United Women Switzerland is organising a special highlight:

On 21 September 2025 at 5 p.m., a charity dinner will take place at the Restaurant Schlüsselbund in Zurich. Guests can look forward to a three-course menu featuring delicious Afghan vegetarian cuisine from Fazili Catering. The evening will be complemented by a charity auction, where unique surprises will be up for grabs. The cost is £85 per person, which will go directly towards the realisation of Fatemeh's sewing studio.

Register by 7 September and be part of this special evening:

Click here to register

By participating, you will help to reach the project goal of CHF 15,000 and create a place that supports women on their way to a self-determined life.

Just in time for Easter, we have some really good news for you: our sewing studio has found a home! In the Heuried district of Zurich, a spacious room is waiting to be filled with life—with creative ideas, encounters, and new perspectives for women who have experienced displacement.

There is just one thing we need before we can move in and start our first workshops: the necessary equipment. We have therefore adjusted our crowdfunding target from CHF 30,000 to CHF 15,000. We will secure the salary for our dedicated sewing coach Fatemeh through other channels, which will allow us to prioritize the equipment and get started more quickly.

What we need now:

• Two industrial sewing machines
• Five simple sewing machines
• Fabric, fabric cutters, and other accessories

Thanks to you, we have already come a long way—now we just need one last push to bring the space to life.

By spreading the word to your friends and acquaintances, you are not only helping us set up a studio, but also giving women a place to settle, learn, and grow. Of course, any additional donations are also very welcome.

As a small token of our appreciation, you will receive a handmade solidarity bag worth CHF 200 or more, made in collaboration with Social Fabric and cloudburst in our new sewing studio in Zurich.

Thank you for your support and happy Easter!

Warm regards

Your team at United Women Switzerland