UNHCR and Piraeus Bank launch Refugee Women Academy

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Greece and Piraeus Bank are pleased to announce the official launch of the Refugee Women Academy, an innovative programme aimed at bolstering the skills and opportunities of refugee women through vocational training.

In line with a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 20^th April 2023, UNHCR and Piraeus Bank have joined forces to establish this ground-breaking initiative, which seeks to provide specialized training and skills-building opportunities to refugee women in Greece. The programme offers a pathway to decent and sustainable employment in the thriving tourism industry. Furthermore, it will serve as a valuable resource by generating a manual containing information, practical advice and lessons learnt, shaping and inspiring similar initiatives by other interested stakeholders in the future.

The Refugee Women Academy directly addresses the specific challenges faced by refugee women, who often encounter barriers to education and employment opportunities. By equipping them with relevant skills and knowledge, the programme aims to help them to become self-reliant and contribute to their host communities.

Developed in collaboration with Odyssea, the curriculum of the Refugee Women Academy covers a range of subjects relevant to the tourism sector, including hospitality, customer service and language skills. Participants will benefit from practical training, professional mentoring, and networking opportunities, ensuring a holistic approach to their professional development.

Mr. Christos Megalou, CEO of Piraeus Bank noted: “We are honoured to collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Greece. This collaboration constitutes an important milestone for the Corporate Responsibility initiatives of Piraeus Bank and creates added value to its EQUALL programme for a society of equal people. Our partnership is already bearing fruits with the launch of the ‘Refugee Women Academy’, aiming at strengthening the culture of inclusion and equal access to employment, especially in sectors where there is strong demand for skilled workforce. At Piraeus Bank, along with our business activities, we consider it our duty to return part of the value we create to our community, by implementing initiatives that address the needs of society and our vision for a future of sustainable development with prospects and prosperity, for all”.

Ms. Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece, added that “The launch of the Refugee Women Academy signifies a very important step in efforts to promote the economic autonomy and integration of refugee women in Greece. By harnessing the potential of the tourism sector, this programme aims to transform their lives, foster their participation in the Greek labour market and enable them to become fully-fledged economic actors”.

For more information about the Refugee Women Academy vocational training, currently implemented by Odyssea, please visit https://odyssea.com/en/refugee-women-academy/

About UNHCR

UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR is present in Greece since 1952, trying to ensure the protection and integration of refugees and asylum-seekers in the country. UNHCR has developed initiatives and tools to link refugees in Greece with the labour market, implements vocational training, education, and livelihoods programmes. The Office in Greece also focuses on awareness-raising activities and works with the Greek authorities, civil society actors, cities and municipalities, the private sector, and the local and refugee communities to promote inclusion policies at local and national level so that refugees can thrive in and contribute to their new home.