Monika Hauser

Monika Hauser, 2004 (cropped)

Monika Hauser (born 24 May 1959) is a Swiss-born German gynecologist and humanitarian. She is the founder of the non-governmental organization Medica Mondiale, which supports women and girls in war and crisis zones who have experienced sexualized violence. Hauser's work has been recognized internationally, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to women's rights and health.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Monika Hauser was born in Thal, Switzerland. She studied medicine at the University of Innsbruck, University of Bologna, and the University of Münster, where she specialized in gynecology.

Career[edit | edit source]

Hauser began her career as a gynecologist in Germany. In 1992, she traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War to provide medical care to women who had been victims of sexual violence. This experience led her to establish Medica Mondiale in 1993.

Medica Mondiale[edit | edit source]

Medica Mondiale is an international organization that provides support to women and girls who have experienced sexualized violence in war and crisis zones. The organization offers medical, psychological, and legal assistance, and advocates for women's rights on a global scale. Since its founding, Medica Mondiale has operated in various countries, including Afghanistan, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Awards and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Monika Hauser has received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the Right Livelihood Award in 2008, often referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize." She has also been honored with the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe and the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Hauser is married and has one son. She continues to be actively involved in Medica Mondiale and other initiatives supporting women's rights and health.