Helping Yourself and Helping Others 429
In El Salvador, a group of women from an urban squatters’ community
decided to form a support group.They had lived through the civil war and
now worked with victims of the war through their church. One member
tells how the group began and how it has helped her:
“One day, all of us felt sad without knowing why. It wasn’t as though
anything special had happened that day, but all of us were feeling this way.
Then one of us realized that it was the anniversary of the war that all of
us had lived through. That was when we decided to form this group. We
needed to feel close, to understand the things we had experienced, and
to cope with how we felt about losing our sons, daughters, husbands, and
neighbors to the war—and for what?
“In the group we spoke of many experiences we had never been able
to share with anyone else. This way we slowly left behind the silence and
the feelings of helplessness each of us had. We learned that fears become
smaller when we can give them a name. We discovered that we all had
the same fears: the fear that others wouldn’t understand, of not finding
an answer, and that in speaking of our memories they would become
more painful.
“We spoke, cried, and laughed, but this time we did it together. The
group supported us, helped us to change, and helped us see new directions
for our lives. We were able to bring new energy and strength to our work.
Now we help victims of the war—not just to rebuild
their homes and health, but also to
overcome their fears and
hopelessness.This way
they can create a
new future for
themselves and for
their community.
“Even though we
all lost so much to
the war—and peace
has not delivered
on its promises—we
feel as though we
have given birth to
something new. And
like a new baby, this
group brings new spirit
into the world and gives
us the strength to go on.”
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012