Service Civil International served as the platform for Idy Hegnauer, a Swiss nurse who dedicated her career to international humanitarian relief. Her involvement spanned decades, moving from active conflict zones in Europe to medical support roles across Asia and the Mediterranean, where she coordinated aid for displaced populations and provided essential nursing services throughout the twentieth century.
Early life and background
Born in 1909 in Obfelden, Switzerland, Idy Hegnauer was the daughter of Marie and Jakob Häberling, a carpenter. Her personal conviction was shaped by her association with the Reformed faith and the Quakers. These early influences preceded a professional life defined by mobility and active field service.
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During the Spanish Civil War, Hegnauer joined the Service Civil International. Stationed in Valencia, she performed nursing duties amidst the conflict. It was during this assignment that she met Ralph Hegnauer, an individual also involved with the organization, who later became her husband.
International humanitarian relief
Following the Second World War, Hegnauer engaged in diverse international missions. She collaborated with the American Friends Service Committee to provide medical assistance to villagers in Tur'an, Israel. Her relief work extended to Greece, India, Austria, and Yugoslavia. In 1960, she provided support in Tunisia during the Algerian War, where she presented information regarding refugees and successfully raised 900,000Fr. for the Service Civil International.
Final years and contributions
Between 1980 and 1984, Hegnauer returned to a clinical setting, working at a children's hospital in Affoltern am Albis. She resided in Switzerland until her death in 2006 at the age of 97 in Affoltern am Albis.
Fast facts
- Born: 1909, Obfelden, Switzerland
- Died: 2006, Affoltern am Albis, Switzerland
- Occupations: Nurse, peace activist
- Organization: Service Civil International
- Religious affiliation: Reformed, Quakers
- Fundraising achievement: 900,000Fr. for the SCI
Questions readers ask
Which organizations did Idy Hegnauer work with?
She worked with the Service Civil International and the American Friends Service Committee.
Where did she perform nursing work?
Her assignments took her to Spain, Israel, Tunisia, Greece, India, Austria, Yugoslavia, and Switzerland.
