A philanthropist of conviction
Interview
•Dania Samawi has helped to raise millions of Swiss francs for vulnerable people around the world. When the conflict broke out in Syria, her country of origin, it altered her life.
Interview with Dania Samawi
Dania Samawi
Dania Samawi has been working for the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) for more than 15 years. In 2021, she and other philanthropists founded the Swiss chapter of the Tiffany Circle. The Tiffany Circle Switzerland currently has eleven members.
What prompted you to want to work with the Swiss Red Cross?
My involvement started very modestly in 2009. The outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011 changed my world view and was a turning point in my life. I realized how fragile life was and what humanitarian crises actually look like. I am Swiss of Syrian origin and my parents live in Damascus.
I realized just how fragile life is and what humanitarian crises actually look like.
I saw how life can be turned upside down from one day to the next. Red Cross staff and volunteers risked their lives to reach people in the most dangerous conflict zones and bring them aid, food and medicine. During this time, I stepped up my involvement and became aware of the global scale of the organization. And since then, my commitment has grown steadily.
What impressed you most during your visits to Red Cross projects around the world?
I was impressed by the commitment of the Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers. In Armenia, Nepal or the Lebanese refugee camps, everywhere I went, I saw how committed they were to helping people in need. This gave my commitment a completely new dimension. During the visits, I alternated between joy, sadness, frustration and gratitude – but above all I felt hope. In a world plagued by endless conflicts and natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, the needs are immense. Even if I can't change the world, I can help change someone's world.
I alternated between joy, sadness, frustration and gratitude – but above all I felt hope.
In a world plagued by endless conflicts and natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, the needs are immense. Even if I can't change the world, I can help change someone's world.
Why did you set up the Swiss chapter of the Tiffany Circle?
Over the course of my experiences, I have developed a deep gratitude for the critical role women play in philanthropy. I particularly liked the concept of the Tiffany Circle because it aligns with my values: supporting the Red Cross, empowering women, inspiring others and being inspired.
IN BRIEF
Philanthropy network
The Tiffany Circle is an international network of women and female leaders dedicated to philanthropy and the work of the Red Cross. Since it was founded in the USA in 2006, chapters have sprung up in other countries, and in Switzerland in 2021. The network’s 1200 members have so far raised more than 240 million dollars in support of Red Cross projects the world over. The driving force behind the Tiffany Circle is the active cooperation of its members. They select the projects they want to support and make a long-term commitment to the organization. To this end, they maintain an exchange with Red Cross delegates on the ground and monitor progress in practice.
Tiffany Circle worldwide
0members
The seven international chapters of the Tiffany Circle have over 1200 members.
0million dollars
Since it was founded, the Tiffany Circle has raised over $240 million for the women and girls in distress.
0projects
Since 2021, the Tiffany Circle Switzerland has been supporting three projects, in Syria, Switzerland and Laos. The support given to projects is long-term and lasts at least three years.
