“Hi Francesca, it is late and I can’t sleep with all the worries I have,” began a heart-wrenching post in local Facebook group Women for Women this morning. The anonymous post tells the story of a single mother struggling to make ends meet, and in a few short hours it went viral, attracting hundreds of offers of money, clothes and food by local women looking to lend a helping hand.

Set up by Francesca Fenech Conti, the group, which has over 30k members, intends to shed light on women's rights and discuss women's issues in the hopes of making a real difference. And, as anyone who has come across it will attest, the incredible vibe and spirit of help and camaraderie among the members makes it a particularly special place on the social media platform. 

Francesca explains the sad reality of how many women with children can't cope financially, even though they work, and the inspiring members of Women for Women work together as a community to help in various ways. Last month, members of the group raised money to buy a laptop for a woman in need, and put extra money collected towards food vouchers.

And that amazing community spirit came to the rescue again today.

The single mother’s story resonated with the group’s members so much that while she didn’t ask for anything apart from a platform to vent (and possibly some clothing donations due to weight loss), many were those that came to the rescue. Offering monetary donations, clothes and food to everything she needs to throw a party for her son’s upcoming birthday, the power of Women for Women really shone through.

In a post responding to the incredible feedback, Francesca is visibly moved as she writes, “Ladies we have such a powerful movement here. Within minutes of posting for help for one of our sisters I am immediately bombarded by messages to help, send money and to rally together. We are an amazing force.”

And she didn’t stop there. The feedback has inspired her to look into setting up a fund for women in need, through which people can donate to help women like the one from this morning’s post, who are dealing with difficult situations and could use a helping hand. “Come on ladies let's make history and do this. Together we can change lives,” she ends her post – and we certainly believe we can!

In the coming days, we’ll be following up with Francesca and sharing details of how interested parties can come together to do their bit, so watch this space for more about this awe-inspiring initiative!