Ruba was no more than six years old when she found herself a refugee in Zaatari Camp in Jordan. At the age of thirteen, she entered into her first marriage, which lasted only two months. She later remarried and gave birth to six children, the last of whom were triplets born just two weeks ago. Despite the hardships she faced, Ruba refused to surrender to her circumstances and instead forged a new path for herself. Now, at nineteen, she is a mother of six who received medical care throughout her pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-supported sexual and reproductive health clinic in the camp.

"Due to the complexity of her pregnancy, Ruba required specialized medical care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period for both herself and her children," explains Lamia Debisi, director of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic. "All her deliveries were via cesarean section, which necessitated special procedures. The triplets were born prematurely in the seventh month of pregnancy, requiring continuous medical supervision to ensure their survival."

"I gave birth to triplets two weeks ago in a hospital outside the camp, and they are currently receiving the medical care they need," Ruba shares. "I was transferred outside the camp to give birth in a specialized facility."

Following her delivery, Ruba received guidance and counseling on family planning methods, given that she is only nineteen and already a mother of six.

A New Beginning Amid Difficulties

When Ruba found herself in circumstances she had never anticipated, she felt as though her world had turned upside down. "I didn’t know how to move forward amid all these challenges, but I realized that staying where I was wouldn’t change anything—I had to start over," she recalls.

Determined to reshape her future, Ruba sought ways to develop her skills and boost her self-confidence. She became involved in programs offering training and psychological support, attending intensive workshops on self-development and economic empowerment. "I learned that I had the power to change my life and that knowledge was the key. I just needed someone to guide me," Ruba reflects. "When I found the right support, I began to see things from a different perspective. I enrolled in life skills courses and gained practical knowledge in areas such as handicrafts and financial management."

Challenging Norms and Breaking Barriers

At the Women & Girls Safe Space (WGSS), supported by UNFPA, Ruba participated in numerous professional courses, including hairdressing, beauty, computing, karate, and football. She also competed in several football tournaments, winning many of them. For her, these activities were not just about gaining new skills but also about proving her capabilities in any field she chose.

"I know that my community may not allow me to work in these professions, but I wanted to prove that I could excel in all of them," Ruba states with determination.

After acquiring valuable skills, Ruba decided to support other women facing similar challenges. She began conducting workshops on financial independence and microenterprise management, quickly becoming a source of inspiration for many women in her community.

One of the participants in Ruba’s workshops shares, "Ruba inspired us in ways we never expected. She was not just a trainer—she was a living example of resilience and determination."

Building a Different Future

"I am shaping my future with my own hands," Ruba asserts. She is not just a young woman who has defied her circumstances; she represents a new generation that is challenging outdated perceptions and breaking societal barriers. She is determined to raise her children differently, ensuring they experience justice and equality while breaking free from traditions that have constrained past generations. Ruba’s story is a testament to resilience and a reminder that change is possible, even in the most difficult situations.

"Education is the key to their future," Ruba emphasizes. She firmly believes that educating girls is even more critical than educating boys. As a result, she has already begun teaching her children arithmetic and reading at home before they start kindergarten. For her, university education is a necessity for all her children, and she is committed to ensuring that her daughters receive equal opportunities to learn.

I do not want my children to live the life I lived. I want them to have a different future

Says Ruba

"I do not want my children to live the life I lived. I want them to have a different future," she says. Today, Ruba possesses a newfound self-confidence and unwavering determination. Her vision is clear: to raise her children in an environment where they enjoy all their rights and choices.

Ruba: A Symbol of Hope and Change

Today, Ruba stands with confidence—not just because she has overcome adversity, but because she has become a beacon of hope for others. She is committed to sharing her experiences and inspiring those around her, believing that everyone can rebuild their lives if given the right support.

"I believe that every human being has an immense inner strength. I have faced challenges and emerged stronger, and I want to be part of the journey of empowering others," Ruba says proudly.

Looking ahead, she envisions a future full of opportunities. She is determined to continue her journey of community empowerment, advocating for change, and proving that transformation starts from within—but it also requires a supportive environment to thrive.

EU Humanitarian Aid is the kind donor that supports the Reproductive Health Clinic as well as the Women & Girls Safe Space in Zaatari Camp.