THRIVE tackles the 46-point gender gap in refugee employment

Confronting inequality in labor market integration

For many women who have experienced forced displacement, rebuilding a career is far more complex than simply updating a CV. A recent study published by the IAB Forum reports that even highly educated and motivated refugees face significant structural barriers to entering foreign labor markets. These barriers are even higher than those faced by other immigrant groups, due to the abrupt nature of forced migration, the loss of professional networks, and the difficulty of preparing for new language and credentialing systems. As researchers Tanja Fendel and Özlem Yildiz discuss in the IAB Forum study, refugees also face various institutional obstacles. These include, for example, a precarious residence status that can last for years, and residence requirements and restrictions that often do not allow for work. 

Notably, women refugees integrate into the labor market at an even lower rate than their male counterparts. While the employment rate of refugees who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2019 has risen significantly over the years to an average of 63%, there is a pronounced gender gap. By the end of 2019, a total of 75% of refugee men were employed, while only 29% of women were. That’s a gap of 46 percentage points. And among Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war since 2022, most of whom are women, this trend continues. Fendel and Yildiz report three ways in which women refugees are disproportionately disadvantaged when it comes to labor market integration: caregiving responsibilities, lack of  German language skills, and difficulties having foreign qualifications recognized.

In response to these urgent challenges, Kiron developed THRIVE, an upskilling program designed specifically for women with forced migration backgrounds. The program equips participants with in-demand digital skills, career guidance, language support, and networking opportunities to build connections and access internships and jobs. 

Valentyna’s journey with THRIVE

Valentyna is one of many learners whose story shows how THRIVE works. A former research analyst from Ukraine with a master’s degree in economic cybernetics, Valentyna arrived in Germany in early 2022 with her young son after fleeing the war. Like many newcomers, she felt lost attempting to enter a foreign job market. “Technologies change so quickly,” she reflects. “My previous experience had become outdated. But I still had the ability and the desire to learn.” 

Valentyna joined the first cohort of THRIVE, choosing the Data Analytics path. “Finding THRIVE was incredible,” she says. “The program helped me restore lost knowledge and acquire new, relevant skills.”  Though she had some prior experience in programming languages, this was largely theoretical. Joining THRIVE allowed her to get hands-on experience in an encouraging and supportive environment.

THRIVE’s real-life impact 

Beyond technical training, THRIVE also helped Valentyna reframe her professional profile. She learned how to better position her skills in her CV and cover letters, tailor applications, and communicate her experience in ways that resonate with recruiters. “The program incredibly improved my chances of getting a qualified job,” she says.  

At the end of the program, Valentyna landed a remote internship with a Norwegian app startup, where she worked on the product team as a data analyst. “It was an extremely valuable experience and I’m grateful to Kiron for organizing the internship for me,” says Valentyna. “It’s an incredible feeling to be able to create something useful for a real startup.” The internship gave her valuable practical experience and helped her expand her professional network.

Valentyna’s journey highlights the impact of THRIVE in supporting women bridge the gap between past qualifications and current job market demands, not by starting over, but by building forward. With tailored support, hands-on practice, and supportive community, THRIVE makes a real difference. “It is difficult to integrate into society in a new country,” says Valentyna, “so it was really uplifting and inspiring to connect with other people from similar backgrounds through THRIVE.” 

In a world where demand for digital and analytical skills is growing, inclusive programs like THRIVE don’t just benefit individual learners. They strengthen communities, companies, and economies.

Learn more about THRIVE