ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that black women have always been in the vanguard in providing services aimed at improving the health of their families and communities. It considers the work of organisations in urban and rural areas sharing two characteristics - their concern for the health and welfare of families and their voluntary bases. The chapter focuses on the ideas and approaches to problem solving which women bring into their work. The women do not know yet how they will describe themselves but aim to provide a comprehensive advisory service to women, facing such problems as domestic violence. The chapter looks at four organisations - the National Council of African Women, Ikageng, Women's Health and Empowerment Programme and the Women's Voice of Orange Farm. Morley Bailey, one of the trustees was instrumental in setting up the Siyaphana Women's Movement. Siyaphana works closely with local heath institutions in developing a comprehensive district health care programme.
