Sisterhood

The importance of community cannot be overstated; it is essential for our well-being and resilience. We all require a support network, whether it be a close-knit sisterhood or a few trusted friends.

In my professional journey, I have engaged with numerous online mothers’ groups to promote my business. Over the past few months, I have observed many mothers posting anonymously about a range of issues—from simple inquiries such as product recommendations to more serious concerns like marital infidelity. Unfortunately, I have also noticed an increase in negative and unkind comments in response to some of these posts.

This raises a poignant question: Where has the sisterhood gone? Where is the support that women traditionally offer one another?

Is social media undermining sisterhood? The anonymity of the internet allows individuals to express their opinions freely, often leading to quick judgments without consideration for the vulnerability of those seeking help. Loneliness among adults, particularly women, is on the rise, and the challenge of forming new friendships becomes more pronounced as we navigate our thirties and beyond. It is not uncommon to see mothers posting requests for companionship, simply seeking someone to share a coffee and a conversation.

So, what constitutes a sisterhood, a tribe, or even a handful of good friends?

A true friend is someone with whom you may not communicate daily or see frequently, yet when you reconnect after a significant time apart, there is an absence of awkwardness. You seamlessly resume your conversation, discussing a range of topics as if no time has passed. Genuine friendship endures despite distance, time, and silence. Shouldn’t this principle apply to sisterhood as well? It should be characterized by non-judgment, support, and a willingness to listen—standing together through both joyous and challenging times. United, we are stronger and can amplify our voices.

In preparation for this blog, I conducted research on the concept of sisterhood and found a scarcity of positive narratives. For instance, a Reddit article remarked, “The sisterhood does exist, but it is challenging to navigate, and there is considerable anxiety about one’s place within it.” Similarly, an article in HuffPost reflected, “My friend asked if sisterhood exists. I couldn’t say yes. While I don’t believe it is dead, I do think we need to work harder to stand together.” Furthermore, a National News article noted, “It is remarkable how many women have very few stories to contribute to this ongoing discussion.”

I believe we can strive for a better understanding and practice of sisterhood. When women come together, they create a space for collective wisdom and support. Sisterhood celebrates life, sharing in laughter, sorrow, and grief, both in times of joy and hardship.

The dictionary defines sisterhood as “a strong feeling of friendship and support among women involved in actions to improve women’s rights.” I would define sisterhood as “a profound sense of friendship and love among women in your tribe, acknowledging that life is not always perfect—embracing flaws, talents, quirks, and moods.”

The next time you are with your tribe, take a moment to check in with them, expressing love and compassion. If you participate in online mothers’ groups, engage thoughtfully with those seeking validation or advice, and do so without judgment.

While I may not have a traditional tribe, I am fortunate to have a robust network of friends and sisters surrounding me. Let us come together, fostering a supportive environment devoid of judgment.

I recommend reading “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” While it has been adapted into a film, the book offers a much deeper exploration of its themes.

In closing, I would like to share a quote that resonated with me recently:

“Thank you to the friend who let me talk about the same situation 582 times until I finally got over it” – Tiny Buddha (@tinybuddhaofficial)