Your competent point of contact for FGM/C
FGMhelp is the Canton of Zurich’s advisory, information and competence platform for FGM/C. As a contact point for girls and women who are affected or at risk and their families we offer free, reliable support. Thanks to our network of specialist personnel, associations, organisations and advice centres as well as our community work, FGMhelp is able to contribute to long-term action on FGM/C.
There were two factors behind the setting-up of the Canton of Zurich’s contact point for female genital circumcision. Firstly, the commitment of Cantonal Councillor Natalie Rickli, who initiated it in her capacity as Head of the Health Department. Secondly, the work carried out by the Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland. The federal government has tasked the Network with raising awareness of female genital circumcision (FGM/C) in Switzerland; protecting girls against circumcision; ensuring that women who are affected have access to advice and medical services and supporting regional contact points.
Our offering
FGMhelp’s organisational structure
The Cantonal Health Department has tasked the City of Zurich’s Municipal Medical Service with setting up and managing the Canton of Zurich’s contact point for female genital circumcision. Our advisers work closely with the three major women’s clinics at Winterthur Cantonal Hospital, Zurich City Hospital and the University Hospital of the Canton of Zurich to provide specialist medical support.
Your contacts
Karin Bruppacher
Adviser Dipl. Pflegefachfrau HF
Ann Schädler
Adviser Sozialarbeiterin FH
Katja Theissen
Contact Point Director Betriebsleitung Kompetenzzentrum Sozial-Medizin
Authority responsible for FGMhelp
The Canton of Zurich Health Department is responsible for FGMhelp. The Health Department ensures the provision of high-quality, needs-based, economically sustainable healthcare to Zurich’s residents.
