Enas Abu Ramuz's Journey: From a Single Chair to a Comprehensive Empowerment Center
Enas Abu Ramuz's Journey: From a Single Chair to a Comprehensive Empowerment Center
In Hebron city, specifically in the besieged H2 area, an extraordinary story of determination and resilience began on February 1, 2020. Enas Abu Ramuz, an ambitious psychologist, had nothing but a small chair next to the secretary's desk, yet she was armed with a clear vision and a profound belief in change.
"Our beginnings were extremely modest—just one chair in a small corner, but we believed that this tiny seed would grow into a flourishing tree," says Enas, describing her start as the coordinator of the pioneering "FEMPOWER" project for psychological and social support.
In the conservative community of H2, mental health was considered taboo. Visiting a psychologist was viewed as a "stigma" and evidence of disorder. However, Enas and her team faced these challenges with patience and determination, supported by the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD), which believed in the project and backed it as a main donor, alongside other partners.
The journey began with simple awareness workshops attracting a modest number of women, no more than 10-12 ladies. Over time, with continuous support from PWWSD, services expanded to include innovative economic empowerment programs that transformed the lives of beneficiaries.
Enas proudly recounts: "We managed to train 20 women in traditional macramé crafts, which opened unexpected doors for them. They didn't just sell their products locally; their creations reached international markets, exporting to France through social media platforms. These successes wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing support of PWWSD, which believed in these women's capabilities."
The center's role didn't stop there but extended to forming protection committees in multiple areas such as Masafer Yatta, Al-Aroub, Al-Fawwar camp, and the H2 area. These committees, comprising both women and men, function as safety nets for the most vulnerable individuals in these marginalized areas.
Today, thanks to the continued support of PWWSD and other partners, the single chair has transformed into a comprehensive center providing holistic services in social, psychological, legal, and economic fields. The center has become a magnet for women seeking support and a safe space to express themselves.
"When we announce a single activity via WhatsApp, we reach full capacity in less than an hour—this is a radical transformation in a society that once considered seeking psychological help shameful," says Enas, pointing to the pivotal role PWWSD played in funding awareness campaigns that changed prevailing concepts.
Enas Abu Ramuz affirms that the center's mission continues with PWWSD's support: "Success doesn't stop at a certain point; it's an ongoing journey that requires support and assistance. Our goal is to help individuals achieve their potential and reach their highest capabilities."
The story of the counseling center in Hebron is one of persistence, challenge, and successful partnership. From a small chair to a comprehensive center, Enas and her team, with PWWSD's support, have transformed challenges into opportunities, helping many women and children improve their lives under difficult circumstances. Today, the center is not just a place to receive support but a beacon of hope and a space for empowerment and strength.
This story was produced as part of the FEMPOWER program for feminist economic rights of women, in alliance with four institutions working in the field of women's rights in Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, implemented in Palestine by the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) in partnership with a coalition of 11 Palestinian institutions, and in media partnership with Watan Media Network.
