Sister Bear, when people have problems most especially women what they need most is a good friend who knows how to listen to understand. That’s basically it. They need to feel validated and heard. They are not looking for anyone to fix their problems for them or to tell them what to do. Really they just need to be heard. Problems come and go, and usually once they get their frustrations out, they can clear the way to finding a solution. You can’t control others, only yourself so be the friend they need to listen when asked. Then be compassionate with “I hear that”, “i can hear how frustrated you are with that” or “have you figured out how you will handle it yet”?
The more faith you have in your friends that they can actually figure it out on their own, and that they themselves have the answers to their own problems the more confidence they will build in themselves. That is the best way to help them and be a good friend to them. However, if you feel the need you can always say “I think you will figure this out on your own” or “I know you can handle this yourself and are just upset at the moment, but if you need my help just let me know and I will see what I can do”.