Mango has formally entered into a new partnership with UNHCR, launching a joint initiative to expand university opportunities for young refugee women. The agreement, which runs from 2025 to 2027, will see the company support around 100 students through the DAFI scholarship programme, marking Mango’s first educational collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency.
The fashion group, known as one of the largest worldwide, announced the move as part of its broader Social Action strategy, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment and equal access to education. UNHCR, founded in 1950, works globally to assist people forced to flee conflict, persecution and crisis, including those who are stateless.
The partnership was confirmed following the signing of an agreement between Toni Ruiz, Chairman and CEO of Mango; Francesco Sciacca, Director General of the Spanish Committee for UNHCR; and Jorge Olague, Director of Partnerships with the Private Sector of UNHCR. The collaboration aims to provide long-term academic support to women who often face significant barriers to higher education.
Toni Ruiz highlighted the relevance of the initiative, stating: “Mango aims to generate a positive impact in all the countries in which we operate. Through initiatives like this, we want to empower all women who lack access to higher education and thus facilitate their greater autonomy and development, contributing to a transformative change in their future lives. This is especially relevant to us, given that 8 out of 10 people who work at Mango are women and that they represent 40% of our Executive Committee, reinforcing our commitment to female leadership. This partnership is a significant step towards equal opportunities, an essential element for social and economic progress.”
Francesco Sciacca welcomed the commitment, noting that “Mango’s support allows these young refugees to ‘aim higher’ and dream of a future in which they can study, work and contribute to society, both in their host communities and in the reconstruction of their countries of origin.”
Under the DAFI programme, a total of 96 scholarships will be granted by 2027, including 69 full-programme places and 27 final-year grants. Many of the beneficiaries are based in Asia, where recipients include Rohingya refugee women from Afghanistan and Myanmar living in India, as well as Afghan students in Pakistan.
The DAFI initiative, active since 1992, has supported more than 27,200 young refugees across 54 countries. In 2024, women made up 54% of scholarship holders in Asia, the highest recorded to date.
Mango says its long-term social projects are aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to contribute to greater equality and improved opportunities for displaced women and girls.
