Problem addressed

The THRIVE program exists at the intersection of two critical challenges: the urgent need for economic integration pathways for refugee women, and the growing demand for data and AI talent across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Since 2015, the popular image of a refugee in Europe is most commonly young men, but almost 40% of refugees are women. However, only 25% of these women are employed after five years. Many factors such as childcare responsibilities, not knowing the host country's language, and unfamiliar forms of bureaucracy can make settling in for women extremely difficult. In addition, many women do not have the formal qualifications required to work in the host country. Little formal work experience, difficulties with the recognition of previous qualifications, and a lack of professional networks prevent women from building a self-determined future.

Moreover, according to the MINT Herbstreport 2023, the demand for digital skills in the DACH region is accelerating. AI specialist roles have grown by over 50% since 2019, yet small and mid-sized enterprises struggle to fill vacancies. This talent gap presents a unique opportunity — one that THRIVE is designed to meet.

Refugee women remain underrepresented in the digital workforce, despite being highly educated., 75% of the 250 women participating in the current iteration of the program hold at least a Bachelor's degree and brought professional experience from their countries of origin. While 60% of the participants are actively looking for jobs in the tech industry, they face systemic barriers in entering the DACH labor market. More than half of the 20% of learners who are currently employed reported feeling underemployed, that their role does not match their skills and experience.

Innovative solution

Kiron’s THRIVE program has been designed to empower refugee and migrant women* to (re)enter the labor market through a comprehensive upskilling program – specifically preparing participants for a career working in the tech sector. An innovative combination of language learning for workplace communication, live workshops to foster transferable skills, small group tutoring and 1:1 career coaching with professionals complements the self-paced elements of the program – facilitating opportunities for individualized guidance and job-specific knowledge. This program not only prepares participants for the demands of the modern workplace, but also introduces them to a supportive professional network through strategic partnerships, headed by FactSet, which culminates in a dynamic networking event held in Frankfurt.

Its combination of flexible, low-threshold online courses, that allow participants to study alongside their other responsibilities, and regular live sessions and community-building and support structures makes THRIVE an accessible and achievable upskilling opportunity for refugee and migrant women* looking to enter the tech sector.

Key results and benefits

456 women* from more than 20 countries participated in the pilot round of the THRIVE program. 22 graduates found paid employment and 18 were awarded scholarships to continue their studies. 86% of participants reported feeling more confident applying for jobs after completing the program and 80% said they had significantly improved their language skills.

The current iteration of THRIVE, which will conclude later in 2025, received 1,500 applications with 250 women* ultimately selected to participate. The program is on course to achieve its targets of a 70% retention rate after 90 days and a 55% completion rate. Of the 250 participants, 12% are expected to find jobs or internships upon graduating. So far, learners are responding particularly well to the tutoring component of the program, with sessions achieving a high turnout and active participation.

THRIVE alumni have reported that they leave the program with new skills and improved knowledge of the DACH labor market and how to successfully apply for jobs. They feel more hopeful about their employment prospects and are grateful for the guidance and support of Kiron’s Student Support Team and the volunteers from our corporate partners who host coaching sessions and workshops. Many participants cite the networking opportunities, both with other women* on the program and tech professionals, as a valuable resource for their career development.

After consulting with partners on the ground and conducting a needs analysis, Kiron adapted the THRIVE concept for the Afghan context in order to provide synchronous and asynchronous online courses, coaching, and networking opportunities for women in Afghanistan. Kiron implements this program in collaboration with The Liaison Office, based in Kabul. THRIVE Afghanistan focuses on trainings in e-commerce and digital marketing in order to upskill women for the local, regional and international labor markets. The program provides a vital opportunity for Afghan women to continue their education and build resilience and independence. The chance to study alongside and network with other women has proven to be particularly valuable for the Afghan participants.

Potential for mainstreaming

THRIVE is currently running its second iteration, with fundraising almost complete for the third round. The structure of the program is transferable to different country contexts, audiences and subject areas. For example, Kiron has developed a successful adaptation of THRIVE for the Afghanistan context, in which Afghan women have access to invaluable resources and support to continue their education and gain practical skills for the modern labor market, despite the harsh restrictions to their freedoms imposed by the Taliban regime. THRIVE Afghanistan has proven to be a lifeline for women in Afghanistan who want to contribute to the household income and learn new skills in e-commerce and digital marketing. Crucially, the community and networking aspect of THRIVE has become an important source of motivation, resilience and guidance for the women as they support one another through the program and beyond.

THRIVE has already proven itself to be a replicable and scalable initiative with the potential to alleviate the interconnected challenges of labor shortages and integration of refugees and migrants, particularly those that identify as women, into high-quality, sustainable employment.