Sisterhood does exist, and I think that we need to highlight this fact on International Women’s Day. This day reminds women that no matter who or where they are that when they meet there is a special bond between one another. One of the things that I do with a woman’s group right now is participate in a hiking group on Mondays—it's all women, and we have all known each other loosely for over 30 years. The group is diverse: we all have very different lives, experiences, families, and jobs. We all know that it isn’t really the hike that is important; it is the conversations that we have. When we are with a group of all women, we can talk about things that we can’t really do in mixed groups. We don’t have to explain before we start a story or an observation. Conversations are easier and deeper.
We usually take the trails through the forest, and other times we hike along the sea. It's something different every time for everyone. But the whole idea is basically that we're together for two or three hours. I feel that everyone understands what I’m experiencing when I'm with this group. It’s like a secret language we have when all women are together because we’ve all gone through different life phases and understand what each one of us is experiencing. I feel understood in a way that is different than in a mixed group, or a work group.
I think sisterhood is underrepresented at certain points in our lives. We get caught up in what needs to be done in our daily lives and we forget how good it feels to unburden ourselves with others who understand what we are experiencing and who can give us the benefit of their experience. We are more connected when we meet someone who's different but who's still a woman.
All of us in this group know that we are there for more than a hike or easy friendship. We also make useful connections within our group. For example, if someone's looking for a job, there'll be someone in our group who can introduce them to someone in the field, make a call, or share how they or an acquaintance managed in the same situation. If someone is having difficulty with a child there will be someone who has gone through the same thing and has good advice. If we are caring for an elderly parent, there is advice on how to deal with difficult situations or find care. We're good connections for each other. And it's not like we're sitting down at a table going: yes, this is an issue. We're just walking and talking and connecting.
On International Woman’s Day, women remember that we're more powerful together than we are alone. We're more powerful because we choose to recognize and honour the lives that each of us lead.
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