Wow, 50 people in a meeting is pretty big where I live.
I'm also very shy and sometimes still have to make myself speak up at a meeting. But I don't have to, so if I really don't have anything to say at the time I don't, I just pass.
Maybe that women's meeting will feel less scary. I find that going to AA actually makes it easier to stay sober, provided I do what they suggest. Struggling on my own was too much for me.