The “Support Groups for Women Affected by Breast Cancer” is an initiative by the organization Have Hope, aimed at supporting women and girls facing this serious illness. These support groups provide emotional and social assistance, along with information on accessing medical help.
This initiative began on July 1, 2023, and will continue until December 31, 2023. It has developed several activities aimed at raising awareness among women about breast cancer. The two key components of the initiative include forming support groups and distributing questionnaires for data collection.
By gathering in a safe space to express their concerns and challenges, these women affected by breast cancer gain deeper insights through each other’s experiences. The psychological support that is not provided as adequately as it should be elsewhere is found within the group, stemming from the sensitivity and understanding shaped by their personal journeys.
The “Breast Cancer Awareness Info Session” was one of the activities aimed at educating women about the early symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of regular medical check-ups. An oncology specialist provided information on accessing health services for women affected by cancer, specifically breast cancer.
Have Hope has established fourteen (14) support groups where women share their personal experiences and provide each other with emotional support. These meetings take place every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM in Pristina, moderated by the organization’s director, Arnisa Osmani, with the assistance of volunteers. The meetings have proven to be quite fruitful, positively impacting the emotional well-being of the participants.
During the support groups meeting, women are encouraged to document and report instances of unequal treatment in health services.
The primary and most significant achievement of these support groups has been the emotional support provided to women. At each meeting, new participants are introduced, and the stories of women affected by cancer or those who have overcome it are shared. The participating women learn about their right to receive a disability support/pension, which they can claim once a year. They also receive information on the appropriate behaviour that doctors and healthcare personnel should exhibit in their treatment.
These meetings have been fruitful and essential for the women involved, particularly in terms of emotional support, resulting in a sense of satisfaction among the participants.
The organization distributed electronic questionnaires to approximately 60 women, and the data collected will be used to develop new policies and improve health services.
The project has successfully raised awareness and informed 48 women and girls about the risks of cancer and the importance of recognizing early symptoms. Another key outcome is increasing women’s awareness of their rights to quality healthcare, including their right to appropriate medical treatment and protection from discrimination.
The project has also positively impacted approximately 100 family members and relatives of the participants, providing them with a sense of support and security.
Have Hope’s initiative has contributed to the furthering of gender equality through the rule of law, addressing healthcare inequalities and ensuring that women have equal access to quality health services. This effort has enhanced support services for cancer patients, including counselling, education, and community outreach.
The project “Support Groups for Women Affected by Breast Cancer” has been a vital initiative aimed at supporting and empowering women dealing with this disease, successfully influencing the lives of many women and their families.
Have Hope implemented this initiative as a beneficiary of the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the KWN initiative “Furthering the Women’s Rights initiative” which is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida).
