Women’s Archives

The Gosteli Foundation differentiates between the archives of Women’s organisations and Women’s unions, private archives of female individuals and biographical notes. Together, these records document the manifold activities of Swiss women since the late 19th century.

These more or less well known women’s organisations and individual women played and still play an active and critical role in politics, business, education, culture, society and family. Even without a vote, many institutions and individuals lobbied not only for women’s rights but for a fair welfare state, total defence and Switzerland as an educational and business location.

Apart from written documents, the archives also hold many photographs, slides, films and electronic data. A collection of posters promoting the introduction of women’s suffrage also illustrates the tough fight that many women had for their political rights.
 

Overview private archives

Overview archives of women's organisations