Meet sensational Saudi mother of 19 with doctoral degree capturing global headlines

In an inspiring story of determination and resilience, Hamda Al Ruwaili, a Saudi mother of 19 children, has achieved what many would consider impossible: earning a doctoral degree while managing a bustling household.
Her journey has become a beacon of hope and motivation worldwide.
Hamda, a mother to ten boys and nine girls, recently shared her extraordinary story on Saudi TV Al Ekhbariya, shedding light on how she masterfully balances her roles as a parent, professional, and student.
“I don’t like chaos and haphazardness. So, I always plan my day carefully,” she said, stressing the discipline that underpins her success.
Hamda works in an administrative role in the mental health sector while running an e-commerce business. She credits her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities to meticulous time management.
Hamda divides her time strategically: focusing on work and childcare during the day and dedicating her nights to commerce and academic pursuits. By adhering to this structured approach, she completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—all before the age of 43. She is currently in the final stages of defending her doctoral thesis.
“Despite my great responsibilities as a mother of many children, I didn’t give up on my academic dream,” she said. “Thank Allah, this success was not easy, but it is the fruit of planning and continuous family support.”
Raising 19 children is no small feat, but Hamda likens her parenting style to that of a teacher managing a class or a military officer leading soldiers. “My role model in raising so many children is the teacher who runs a class full of students and the army officer who supervises a large number of soldiers,” she explained.
“For me, raising one child is like raising 10. I respond to their needs, help them achieve their goals, and encourage them to pursue their hobbies.”
Her dedication has yielded remarkable results. Hamda’s children excel academically, with their grades consistently exceeding 94%, and some achieving a perfect score of 100%.
Hamda’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance and careful planning can turn dreams into reality, no matter the obstacles. As she continues to inspire audiences worldwide, her tale of ambition, love, and discipline serves as a testament to the limitless potential of human resilience.