How can I start my own support group

Find 2 or more women who want to start a group.

Plan when and where to meet. It helps to find a quiet place, such as a school, health post, cooperative, or place of worship. Or you can plan to talk while doing your daily work.

At the first meeting, discuss what you hope to accomplish. If you are in a group, decide how the group will be led and whether new members can join later.

Although the person who began the group will probably need to take the lead at the first meetings, she should not make decisions for the group. Her job is to make sure everyone has a chance to talk and to bring the discussion back to the main point if it wanders off. After the first few meetings members may want to take turns leading the group. Having more than one leader can also help shy women lead.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010310