Expanding the SEGE Women’s Training and Empowerment Hub in Thessaloniki

To mark International Women’s Day, we are joining forces with the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE) with a shared goal of empowering women and promote female entrepreneurship. Our aim is to support their professional development and provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth.

Specifically, we are undertaking all necessary work to fully upgrade the “WEHub - Female Empowerment Hub” operated by SEGE. Our goal is to transform it into a multifunctional and welcoming 600 sq. m. space that will support, inspire, and guide women in achieving their goals, developing skills, innovating, and excelling.

Once again, our employees will actively contribute to this effort. As part of our volunteer initiatives, they will actively participate in the renovation efforts alongside specialized crews. Additionally, they will donate toys, board games, stationery, books, and other materials to equip the creative activity space for children.

The Center will host educational programs and skill-building workshops in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional development, including sewing, candle-making, jewelry design, and IT. At the same time, expert counseling will be available, along with technological equipment to support business development and collaboration with communities and organizations to promote female entrepreneurship.

Additional initiatives will focus on women’s health, including free Pap tests and awareness campaigns. To further support beneficiaries, childcare and creative activity services will also be provided. This initiative led by HELLENiQ ENERGY and SEGE aims to foster female empowerment through a comprehensive ecosystem and a dynamic collaboration network, facilitating women’s social and professional integration and while ensuring dignified living conditions for their families.

Our contribution to the development of the Female Empowerment Hub is part of its broader Corporate Responsibility program and marks a significant milestone in supporting women’s empowerment in Greece. With its expanded capabilities, the Empowerment Center will become a key resource for women seeking opportunities, education, and networking. This initiative follows the establishment of a vocational training center for vulnerable women in collaboration with the Hellenic Red Cross in central Athens in 2024.

HELLENiQ ENERGY’s Corporate Responsibility Director, Georgia Lasanianou, emphasized: "At HELLENiQ ENERGY, we stand by those in need. Through targeted initiatives, we support vulnerable women 365 days a year. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary resources and tools to integrate smoothly into the job market, grow, and achieve their aspirations. This year, in collaboration with SEGE, we are launching the Female Empowerment Hub to contribute meaningfully to the professional and social advancement of vulnerable women in Thessaloniki. At HELLENiQ ENERGY, we invest daily in an inclusive culture that nurtures female talent as a force for innovation and competitiveness."

SEGE President, Lina Tsaltabasi, stated: "True female empowerment is not just a need—it is the key to progress and change. By bringing the vision of WEHub to life, we are opening new, bright pathways for women who aspire to innovate, grow, and leave their mark. We are proud to offer a space filled with inspiration, support, and opportunities for women to thrive. We sincerely thank HELLENiQ ENERGY for believing in our vision—together, we are making a difference!"
 

Continuous Support for Vulnerable Women

In recent years, at HELLENiQ ENERGY we have undertaken a serious initiative to support vulnerable women:

• In 2023, the company supported the renovation of the “Ramona” shelter operated by Doctors of the World, which provides accommodation for women from various countries, many of whom are mothers or survivors of gender-based violence.
• In 2024, we established, renovated, and maintained Protection, Empowerment, and Skills Development Centers for over 660 vulnerable women and their children.
• In collaboration with the Hellenic Red Cross, we contributed to the creation of a Multi-Social Action Center in Athens, where educational programs, creative activity workshops, tutoring, and skills are provided.
• In Thessaloniki, we renovated the facilities of the “Irida” Women’s Center, which offers social welfare, legal support, and opportunities for professional development services to vulnerable women, as well as early childhood development programs for their children.
• Finally, In Komotini we partnered with the local municipality to support the Women’s Shelter, the only such facility in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region.
   

We are also expanding similar initiatives in Cyprus through our subsidiary, EKO, which recently announced a collaboration with the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO). This partnership aims to support and strengthen the Association’s vital work and facilitate the social and professional reintegration of domestic violence survivors. The initiative includes three key areas: equipping the shelter in Larnaca, providing scholarships for vocational training, and offering employment opportunities at EKO service stations.