Piraeus Bank and UNHCR launch the new cycle of the Refugee Women Academy

Athens, 21 September 2026

Piraeus Bank and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Greece, are pleased to announce the launch of the new cycle of the Refugee Women Academy, inviting refugee and asylum-seeking women to apply for professional training opportunities that can support their path towards employment and self-reliance. The Refugee Women Academy is an initiative of Piraeus Bank and UNHCR, implemented within the framework of Piraeus Bank's Corporate Responsibility EQUALL, under the pillar of Gender Equality.

Since its launch in 2023, the Refugee Women Academy has grown into far more than a vocational training programme. It creates a space for refugee women to develop valuable professional skills, expand their networks, and strengthen their prospects for meaningful employment and social integration. The programme is implemented by METAdrasi for the specialties of kitchen assistant and hotel employee, and by the Greek chapter of the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) for the coffee expert/barista specialty.

Since 2023, 273 refugee women have participated in the programme's various cycles, receiving training in sectors facing workforce shortages in Greece, including hospitality, tourism, and food services. Nearly one in three participants secured employment within six months of completing the programme, demonstrating the Academy's tangible impact on the lives of refugee women and their families.

Applications for the new cycle will be open from 21 September to 11 October 2026.

For more information and to submit an application, interested participants can visit:

• METAdrasi for the Kitchen Assistant & Hotel Employee specialty
• International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) for the Coffee Expert/Barista specialty