On January 16, 2020, the first Self-Support Group for Women in Media took place on the topic of “Motherhood and Journalism.” It all began as a grassroots initiative of female journalists who wanted to discuss pressing issues in a circle of like-minded individuals in an “equal-to-equal” format. Later, other topics were added, including workplace burnout, protection against sexual harassment, salary issues, the “impostor syndrome,” the COVID-19 pandemic, Russian military aggression in Ukraine, and more.
The group lasts for 2 to 3 hours and is facilitated by professional psychotherapist Maria Fabricheva. In the group, participants can speak or simply listen. Everything discussed in the group stays within the group. It’s a safe and comfortable space. For the sake of anonymity, no recording is done.
From 2020 to 2023, over 30 self-support groups were conducted both online and offline in Kyiv, attended by more than 400 female journalists and media professionals.
“I want to say that this group is one of the most stable things in our ever-changing lives. It started even before the quarantine. The psychotherapist helped all of us cope with various difficult emotions during the pandemic and quarantine, and now continues to support us during full-scale war. Yet, as I understand it, the project was interrupted, finished, and resumed in new forms. This is a wonderful testimony that there are things in life that last for years, even through a pandemic and war. It’s not just something from the past; it’s something that’s been with you for several years. It provides great support. Thanks to the psychotherapist and all the girls involved in organizing the process, searching for donors, and more.” – Nina Kuryata, journalist, former Editor-in-Chief of the Ukrainian service of BBC (2011-2019), and currently a reporter for the British media Tortoise.
“I also remembered today, while listening to everyone, how I joined the groups when I was in Germany. It gave me some support, a sense of belonging to my circle, and an understanding that I’m not alone with all my feelings, etc.” – Olexandra Horchynska, journalist at NV.
“I joined the group for the first time today and felt such safety. The opportunity to simply talk without judgment, without evaluation. Thank you very much for this opportunity.” – Hanna Horpynych, media professional.
“I sincerely thank you for this meeting. At the end of the group, when we were drawing cards, I somehow got two. One of them was the sun. It seemed to me that it was about support, about an environment where it’s comfortable, so it’s easier to work, and ideas come naturally. I felt comfortable at the meeting, and it became a bit easier to realize that this is a stage in life that you have to go through and detach from yourself. Thanks to Women in Media for organizing this and to Maria Fabricheva for her insights.” – Olena Kushchenko, freelance journalist.