Women standing for other women is a potent force that may aid in removing obstacles and fostering social justice. Women can help other women in their interests in the following ways:
Honor one another’s accomplishments: Women have been socialized to be envious of other women who succeed. However, one of the simplest ways to overcome these cultural expectations of rivalry and envy is to celebrate other women’s accomplishments, no matter how big or little. We must realize that other women’s accomplishments, whether they come from close friends or strangers, truly strengthen us, not diminish us! When other women achieve success, it opens doors for us to follow and it also makes us feel good about ourselves!
Active listening: In the present era, true listening is becoming increasingly rare. Most individuals don’t listen until after they’ve prepared a response or until they have the information they require. When you listen actively, you should pay attention, demonstrate it with your body language, offer feedback (such as restating what they just said), avoid passing judgment, and answer in a kind manner. Most of the time, all it takes to identify our actual friends and those we can rely on for support and direction is having someone to listen to us.
Find things to accomplish together: There is nothing more satisfying than putting your mind to something and accomplishing it! So why not do it with someone else?! Often times, women have the same goals, like getting healthy, learning a new skill, or just trying something different… but they don’t even know it! Share your personal goals with the women around you. If they confess that they’ve also been interested in the same thing, do it together. Having an accountability partner that can help you get through the end goal is the epitome of women supporting women.
Encourage one another: Supporting one another is crucial when it comes to assisting other women in pursuing their interests. It’s imperative that you let them know you think highly of them. Encouragement may take many forms, such as a simple compliment, a kind letter or text, or just being there for them when they need someone to talk to.
Be vulnerable and open: It’s not always easy to support other women in pursuing their hobbies while still being open and vulnerable. You may help someone feel less alone and more supported if you talk to them about your struggles.
Introduce one another: Making introductions amongst women is one method that women may support one another’s interests. This might include connecting them with someone who shares their interests or works in the same field. These discussions could benefit us both.
Educate one another: Fostering mutual support for one another’s interests requires education. By exchanging resources such as books, articles, podcasts, or even just by talking about subjects they are interested in, women may educate one another.
Finally, remember to show respect for one another’s beliefs and areas of interest. Even while we might not always agree, we should always respect one another’s freedom to follow our own interests.
