The Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA) has paid tribute to German-Swiss humanitarian, Anne Rüffer, for her contributions to protecting vulnerable women and girls, including survivors of violence, in Nigeria.

The association’s National President, Rufus Olusesan, paid tribute to Rüffer, who recently died in Switzerland at age 69, saying her humanitarian work will remain an enduring legacy for the people and communities she supported.

Rüffer, founder of Hearts100, supported relief efforts for vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, providing food, livelihood assistance and other critical aid across Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and Ebonyi states in partnership with CEE-HOPE Nigeria.

Her support also helped establish the Hearts of Hope Shelter in Lagos in 2021, providing protection, healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal assistance to women and girls fleeing violence. The facility was renamed Anne Rüffer’s Shelter in 2024 in recognition of her contributions.

Beyond shelter services, she supported economic empowerment initiatives for women and campaigns against gender-based violence and female genital mutilation.

Olusesan said PERESSA cherished Rüffer’s humanitarian contributions, describing her as a committed advocate for vulnerable populations whose work transcended national boundaries.

He also commiserated with CEE-HOPE Nigeria and its founder, Betty Abah, over the loss of a dependable ally, cherished friend and partner in humanitarian service.

The PERESSA president noted that Rüffer continued to mobilise funds and support humanitarian activities while battling illness in her final years, refusing to allow the distance between Switzerland and Nigeria to weaken her commitment.