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    Ruth Dreifuss

    Ruth Dreifuss

    Awards & Honours

    1

    Awards Won

    2

    Honours

    2

    Records

    Ruth Dreifuss's achievements are historic. As the first woman and the first Jew to become President of the Swiss Confederation, she broke barriers that had stood for centuries. Her leadership in implementing Switzerland's progressive drug policy, which emphasized harm reduction, has been credited with saving lives and has influenced global policy debates. Her dedication to social justice and public health has earned her respect across the political spectrum and among international organizations. She remains a trailblazer for women in politics and a champion of evidence-based policy.

    Ruth Dreifuss receiving an award

    Awards

    Honours & Distinctions

    Hall of Fame of Swiss Politics

    Swiss Political Archives·2010

    Inducted for her contributions to Swiss governance and social policy.

    Honorary Recognition for Advancing Women's Rights

    Swiss Government·2026

    Honored in Bern for her role in advancing women's rights in Switzerland.

    Records & Feats

    First Woman President of Switzerland

    Historic First·1999

    Became the first woman to serve as President of the Swiss Confederation in 1999.

    First Jewish President of Switzerland

    Historic First·1999

    First person of Jewish faith to hold the Swiss presidency.