This is Ruby's story. She is the first Rohingya woman we had the privilege of working with and empower. Here is a short background story of Ruby and how working with Abiding Heart has impacted her life.
Her Childhood
Ruby was born into a loving Rohingya family in Myanmar. Her father, who worked as a translator and tailor, always encouraged his children to pursue education, despite the common Rohingya belief that women do not need schooling since they are expected to become housewives.
When she was growing up, Muslims and Buddhists lived together harmoniously. However, in 1962, oppression against the Rohingya slowly began. The persecution escalated in 2017 when Ruby could hear gunshots at night, and her family was forced to flee for their lives. Terror swept through her village as soldiers burned homes, slaughtered men, and violated women. Her family fled with only the clothes on their backs, leaving behind everything they had ever known. They walked for days—starving, exhausted, and fearing for their lives.
“The Rohingya have suffered decades of violence, discrimination, and persecution in Myanmar. Their largest exodus began in August 2017 after a massive wave of violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, forcing more than 742,000 people—half of them children—to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Entire villages were burned to the ground, thousands of families were killed or separated, and massive human rights violations were reported.” — UNHCR
Ruby’s family miraculously survived the harrowing persecution, but this meant they had to live in exile, with no home, no country, and nowhere to turn. As refugees, Ruby’s future felt uncertain.
Amidst the uncertainty, a childhood friend, 'Man' (not his real name), who had loved her for years, came forward with a marriage proposal. He had secretly prayed for her hand since they were children. After accepting his proposal, Ruby bid her beloved family farewell and embarked alone on a long and perilous journey to marry 'Man', who was living in Malaysia. She hid from soldiers, ran barefoot through jungles, and endured severe hunger as she made her way across the border. Packed like cargo in suffocating boats and trucks, she faced death at every turn. By the time she finally reached Malaysia, she was barely recognizable—her body weak, her skin darkened by the sun, her spirit worn thin. But she was welcomed by 'Man', who had been waiting for her. They married just two weeks after her arrival, and for the first time in years, Ruby felt safe.
A Miracle Story
After nearly three years of waiting and praying for a refugee card, a miracle happened—she received a UN refugee card. The constant fear of being detained was finally lifted.
Her family now resides in Bangladesh as refugees, and she misses them dearly. They were a close-knit and loving family.
Ruby’s story is one of loss, love, and resilience. She has endured the unimaginable and survived against all odds. Yet, she still dreams—not just for herself, but for her people. She prays for the day when the Rohingya will no longer be refugees, when they can return home, rebuild their lives, and live with dignity.
And until that day comes, she asks only one thing of the world: Do not forget us.
Last year, Abiding Heart began engaging Ruby, gave her training and empowered her with new skills. This is her testimony :
"I am so happy making earrings at Abiding Heart. It has given me self-confidence and an ability to provide for my family. I love being able to work from home. Since I live far from my whole family, I am unable to help them with things I could if I were close by. I can’t bring my dad food I cooked or help my mom with things she needs. The way I can help them from afar is by praying for them and by sending them money. I am so happy that I can help my whole family, my mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and relatives, in this way. Before working, I was shy to ask my husband to send money for my family’s needs. But now, I am earning and saving money myself. I feel so happy and self-confident to have this opportunity to work. I can send my family as much money as I want without needing anyone’s permission, since I earned it myself.” - Ruby (Not real name to protect their identity).
Partner with us as we dream to empower more women like Ruby with life-skills that will enable them to live with dignity, giving them a hope and a future!
Photo credit : Photos were taken by @raehong.