About

An association led by Afro-descendant women, open to everyone.

Our story

Founded in Zürich in 2023.

AfroSwissters was founded in 2023 by Tallulah Patricia Bär as a network for Afro-descendant women in Switzerland, and launched with an event in Zürich the same year. It is registered as a non-profit association under Swiss law.

Since then, our mission has grown. Led by Afro-descendant women and open to everyone, we organise events, retreats and workshops, share practical knowledge about life in Switzerland, and publish essays and portraits that make voices and work from the African diaspora visible, in Switzerland and beyond.

Our programmes are made possible by partners, venues and businesses that host and support them. Allies who share our values are welcome as partners.

About

What we do.

AfroSwissters started in 2023 in Switzerland as a network for Afro-descendant women. The idea was simple: a place to just be and feel a sense of belonging, to connect, heal from what wears you down, grow through real capacity building, and thrive, together. Today it is led by Afro-descendant women and open to everyone who shares our values. Switzerland is our home base. From here we build ties across the African diaspora worldwide, with online events and a network that friends and members abroad can join.

We run gatherings, workshops, and conversations. People share contacts, skills, advice, and time. The point is that everyone brings something and everyone takes something useful away.

AfroSwissters is led by Afro-descendant women and open to everyone who shares our values, wherever they are. Allies and partners who want to support the work are welcome.

Guests talking on a path between the vineyards in Lavaux

A smiling guest in a pink cap by the lake

About · Mission & Values

Visible, connected, supported.

AfroSwissters exists to create connection, visibility and opportunity, in Switzerland and beyond. We do that through building networks, cultural and educational programmes, events and workshops, knowledge and partnerships.

Vision

What we are working towards.

A Switzerland where Afro-descendant perspectives are recognised as part of the country's social and cultural fabric — and where connections built locally can extend into broader, international exchange.

Representation is not a request. AfroSwissters makes that visible through our network, our programmes and the stories we tell about ourselves.

The Swiss flag above Lake Geneva with the Alps behind it, seen from Lavaux — Switzerland is home.

Our values

What guides us.

Connection with intention

We hope to support personal growth and help build business opportunities and friendships.

Care with boundaries

We believe care includes warmth, consent, privacy, clarity, and respect for what each space is designed to hold.

Growth with substance

We support learning, confidence, skills, and access through practical formats that respond to real needs.

Visibility with dignity

We celebrate presence, voice, and contribution without turning people's stories, identities, or experiences into performance.

Culture with context

We honour African and Afro-diasporic heritage as living knowledge, memory, creativity, and belonging — not decoration.

Shared responsibility

We welcome people, partners and institutions who contribute with humility, resources, consistency and respect for the trust placed in us.

See our pillars Meet the team

Contributors

Made with many hands.

Since 2023, many people and organisations have given AfroSwissters their time, rooms, ideas and talent. Some of them:

Did we forget someone? Write to contact@afroswissters.ch and we will add them.

Voices

Speakers, artists, hosts and guides

Afi Sika Kuzeawu
Aïcha Besser
Andrea Moser
Annabell Fignolé
Blessing Asaolu
Candace Nkoth Bisseck
Cathérine Hug
Christine Khaukha
Claudia Bruce-Quartey
Collins Kotia
Danielle Ciribassi Seck
Danielle Manser
Dieter Roelstraete
Dimitri Horta
DJ Fundi
Eddyleïsy H. Figaro
Emma Mavodza
Estelle Junod
Folake Idowu
Gina Jeanz
Helena Kabwe
Jacqueline Kossiwa Tossukpe
Jane Theodore
Jennifer Obi
Joslyne O. Ramazani
Joyce Bastos
Lamar Hawkins
Laura Arminda Kingsley
Lee Cavaliere
Liza Sekaggya
Lizanne Atherly
Maneva Tafanalo Salaam
Marie Tina Asoh
Melanie Forgeron
Mo Agusto
Mona Dawood
Nadia Asiamah
Nadou Niang
Nafisa Sayid
Nia Farrell
Nomonde Maxeen Sixolo
Olivia James Tolen
Patricia Kafwamba Oguey
Sarah Abrigada
Serafina Andrew
Tabea R. Weber-Fritsch
Talia Paulette Oliveras
Teresa Leuzinger
Valerie Kerri
Yvonne Apiyo Brändle-Amolo

Houses

Venues, museums, theatres and studios

African Queen
Café Bebek
Coin Coin
HeadsQuarter Zürich
Karl der Grosse
Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Rietberg
Queen Idia
Schauspielhaus Zürich
SHED Zug
Zic Zac

Collaborators

Festivals, organisations and companies

Africa Association St. Gallen
Africa Basel
Bierhübeli
ETK Leadership Solutions
Onuli
photoSCHWEIZ
SankofaRisin’
VOLTA Art Fair Basel
Zaria Mobility
Zurich Art Weekend
Zurich Film Festival

Behind the scenes

Team support, food, drinks, photos, sound and advice

Ale & Bread
BiNaBi Catering & Events
Hearts & Tails
House of Vader
Jane Maria da Silva
Lys Silva
Magaly Photography
Marie Madelein Sack
Pandora’s Vineyard
Safiatou Barry
Sahara Accessories
Sarah Reyes
Spicy Roots
Tasila Chèvre Banda
TOCO Cozinha Brasileira
Yves Keller
Zimkaffee

In this section

Four pillarsConnect, Heal, Grow and Thrive, and what each one stands for in our work.Our launch 2023How AfroSwissters began, the launch on 24 June 2023 in Zürich, and voices along the way.Our teamThe people behind AfroSwissters: Tallulah Patricia Bär, founder and president, and Amina Charles, management and strategic partnerships.FAQAnswers to common questions about AfroSwissters: who can join, how events work, how to get involved and how to reach us.GuidelinesThe principles that guide how we meet, speak and work together at AfroSwissters events and in our groups.ImprintLegal information about AfroSwissters, a registered non-profit association in Zürich, Switzerland.ContactWrite to us by email, or find us on LinkedIn and Instagram.