Assalaam walaikum,
You know brother the hardest thing to do is to motivate people. I think there is a need for the sisters in my community to attend halaqas. Once a week, only once a week. That is an immediate project I have been mulling in my head. How do you get women to attend?
Wa-alaikumus salam wa rahmatullah
One methods that I can suggest is to give them incentives. Brother a_stranger has provided an excellent hadith which will provide with spiritual food. Besides spiritual food, one needs food for the belly as well. So at the end of the session (once in a week) have a small Pizza (or some other food) party.
The topics should be such that they catch their attention. Everybody is tired of listening the topics which doesn't relate to one'e life.
Create a facebook page or a google group. Make a simple flier which highlights the topic, the speaker, time & place and free dinner offer. Send that email to all sisters who are in your area. Create an event on facebook and publicize it among the sisters in your area. Ask them to attend, and note why many confirmed to attend. Communication is vital.
If you need help in this micro-management stuff (google app, facebook, fliers, emails), then there are many sister even on this forum who can help you out in setting up.
I hope this helps
Avoid the distraction which is created by certain members, be focused and make duaa.