A New Beginning Amid Pain

When Rabia arrived at Jordan's Zaatari refugee camp, she had no idea that her journey would take a life-changing turn. She and her husband had fled the flames of war in Daraa, southern Syria, in search of safety. Although the camp provided them with a haven, new challenges arose, completely transforming her life and identity.

Rabia recalls the early days in the camp: "When we first arrived, we slept for a long time. We were utterly exhausted from the sleepless nights spent under a hail of shells and bullets." However, she soon faced a new and daunting reality—being labeled a "refugee." This identity was difficult for her to accept. Over time, her relationship with her husband began to deteriorate. He started making her feel inadequate because they had no children, adding to the psychological distress she was already experiencing.

Unsure of how to navigate this new reality, Rabia felt isolated despite having family in the camp. "I didn’t know what to do. I believed a woman should obey her husband without question," she says sadly. In an effort to please him, she underwent several medical tests in hopes of conceiving, but her attempts were unsuccessful.

Self-Discovery and the Beginning of Transformation

Despite these hardships, Rabia refused to succumb to despair. She sought ways to change her life. Encouraged by her neighbors, she learned about UNFPA’s awareness-raising and psychosocial support sessions in the camp. Their words gave her the motivation to attend, and soon, she found herself learning how to boost her self-confidence and face challenges with a positive mindset.

Her transformation was not immediate, but it was profound. Through these sessions, Rabia acquired new coping mechanisms and stress management skills, enabling her to make decisions with greater wisdom and clarity. She also participated in several vocational training courses, learning handicrafts, carpentry, and electrical work—skills that greatly increased her sense of empowerment.

I never imagined that I could learn how to fix electrical issues or work with wood. But now, I have new skills that allow me to help myself and others

Says Rabia

"The sessions were private and designed to build my self-confidence," Rabia shares. Regarding her carpentry and electrical training, she says, "I never imagined that I could learn how to fix electrical issues or work with wood. But now, I have new skills that allow me to help myself and others."

From Trainee to Trainer

After completing her training, Rabia secured a volunteer opportunity at the UNFPA-supported Women and Girls Center, run by the Family Health Care Institute. Her passion for learning drove her to master additional skills, and she soon began assisting her neighbors with electrical repairs in the camp. Over time, she became a source of inspiration for many women, eventually training them in the basics of carpentry and trade, helping them achieve financial independence.

Hanadi Zalatimo, are coordinator at the Women and Girls Center in Zaatari camp, praises Rabia’s dedication: "Rabia volunteered with us for ten months—an exceptional period due to her enthusiasm, diligence, and abilities, which exceeded expectations. She didn’t just help other women; she became an inspiration to many."

This transformation significantly boosted Rabia's self-confidence and had a positive impact on her personal life. She even started carrying out maintenance work in her home with her husband's help, leading to an improvement in their relationship. "In the past, I was shy and fearful, but now I face challenges with confidence. Even my husband has begun to respect me more, especially after I started contributing to our household expenses."

Rabia: A Symbol of Strength and Change

Today, Rabia stands proud—not just because she has overcome hardship, but because she has become a voice for women who once felt voiceless. She actively shares her knowledge with others, reminding them that strength comes from within.

"I consider myself a living success story. I was once a woman who suffered in silence, but now I have transformed into someone completely different," Rabia says with pride.

When the day comes for Rabia to return to her homeland, she will not be the same person she was before she became a refugee. She will return as a strong woman—one who can stand up for her rights and those of others, ready to pursue her dreams with the invaluable lessons she learned in the face of adversity.

EU Humanitarian Aid is the generous donor supporting the Reproductive Health Clinic and the Women & Girls Safe Space in Zaatari Camp.