Female heads of households are often the invisible backbone of displacement. They carry a heavier weight in society. Raising children, holding families together, and nurturing the next generation even while enduring loss themselves. Their voices are rarely heard, yet they shape the future in profound ways.

Noor’s story is one of them. Across three episodes, we’ve followed her from her roots in Gaza, through October 7, the death of her husband Khaled, and the crossing into Egypt with her son.

In this final chapter, Noor shares her present reality: starting over in Cairo, navigating judgment as a widow, and finding strength in motherhood and faith. Her voice reminds us why listening to women like her is not optional — it’s essential.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

* Noor’s first days in Cairo as a refugee mother

* The challenges of beginning again after displacement

* Judgment and stigma faced by single mothers and widows

* How she finds resilience through faith and motherhood

Why This Story Matters

Noor’s voice brings us into the lived reality behind the headlines. Her story reflects the experience of countless Palestinian women who, after displacement, find themselves as the sole providers and protectors of their families. Female heads of households are rarely centered in policy or media, yet they carry futures on their backs. Noor’s testimony preserves that truth.

Noor’s journey doesn’t end here. You can stand with her family as they face the daily reality of survival in Gaza and beyond.Help Noor’s family survive starvation in Gaza here.

The Archive Speaks feature lived memories and stories of resilience and survival from places of conflict like Gaza, told by refugee women and female head of households, and preserved by The Refugee Archive.

Get full access to The Refugee Archive: Global Center for Displaced FHH at therefugeearchive.substack.com/subscribe