A Gathering of Queens: Capturing the Essence of Sisterhood
If there were one fragrance I could capture and bottle, it would be the essence of the spirit of sisterhood. It’s both elusive and tangible at the same time. It’s steeped in the ancient knowledge of the true value of women coming together, yet it has a refreshing element that is unique to each one. Girls, I know you know what I’m talking about...gather as women, whether for business, personal growth, enrichment or leisure time with your tribe, there is a magic that is generated that fills your soul in more ways than you can describe.
Reflecting on this during a women’s month, at a time when many of us can’t get together, the longing for this time overwhelmed me. Why then the false narrative that women don’t get along. So, I had to get it out. I had to sit and assess what makes the gathering of queens, of sisters, an experience that satiates the soul.
At a soul level: The ability to hold space and heal
It is woven into our very nature...the ability to nurture, hold space and heal. Women’s groups, whether you’re slightly apprehensive or nervous at first, can create an authentic space of healing. I’ve noticed that when we’re together to serve one another, that’s where the magic lies. We love to look good, get dressed up and do all the rest of the surface level stuff. But at the heart of it all, we create a space of vulnerability for one another.
Through all the delightful chatter, there’s a safety net that we fall into, if we allow ourselves to. I would laugh at myself for always crying at these gatherings, even if simply listening to another woman’s story. When I thought about it it’s because that’s when the judgement gets stripped away. That’s when the lines between the haves and have nots become a beautiful blur as we realise that we have similar heart and soul challenges...it’s a place where we are seen and heard, without needing to justify why and how. These are spaces of deep release and they are so precious.
At an opportunity level: The power to empower
Women’s professional networking groups create that same safe space, this time it’s with the intention of seeing how we can connect the dots and create or offer opportunities for one another. In my experience (and according to studies through the United Nations, Mckinsey and more) when women are given opportunities, they have a bigger picture in mind. It’s rarely just about themselves: women consciously think more about the enrichment of family or community. As noted by womendeliver.org and World Economic Forum: “Investing in girls and women creates a ripple effect that yields multiple benefits, not only for individual women, but also for families, communities, and countries.” It’s at these very business networking groups that we meet one another as potential clients and service providers and believe me, women go the extra mile in doing the things that make the pots! In other words, we get things done. We will find a way and we will deliver. I love that about working with women and I love the mindset that demonstrates it’s about more than ourselves as individuals. We have the collective in mind.
At a growth level: The education that never stops
Girls, don’t we love ourselves an opportunity to grow and learn that teaches us how to show up better? Yes, we do!
As Africans, despite the fact that the fight against gender equality continues, there is an embedded understanding of the wisdom of women that I hope and pray surfaces and reveals itself once more. “Educate a man and you educate an individual. Educate a woman and you educate a nation.” Our ancestors knew what the world had forgotten. When women choose to grow and learn, when we gather, yes we have fun conversations, but believe me, we are intentionally talking about what we have learnt, how we have grown and we are making room for one another to do so. It’s a space of education in the most beautiful form.
Sisters, these are a few reflections that I have tried to describe and I pray they resonate with you. I’ve reached out to a handful of women from our LDH sisterhood to put into words what women’s gatherings and groups mean to them.
“I read a quote somewhere that said, no one knows us like us. Being part of a sisterhood, not only in theory but in practice, means having a support system that knows how to encourage you, cheer for you, push you, hold you accountable and hold space for you. I am so grateful for the friendship and mentorship of women who know more than me and take the time to get to know me. It’s truly a gift.” Sherinne Winderley
“Without a sisterhood, it can be difficult to navigate this thing called life. They help you fix your crown without judging you. When times are tough and days are dark I know I can always count on my group/sisters for guidance and encouragement without even asking sometimes. We are all multifaceted women and because of that, we get to learn so much from each other. This life teaches us so much and the women in it with all the wisdom they have is the reason for that kind of support, love and encouragement you will not find anywhere else.” Genevive Williams
“I’m the type of person that can feel really overwhelmed sometimes and I disappear for a little while. When I lift my head and “emerge” again, I have found that women who believe in sisterhood are always so understanding and curious and you are ALWAYS met with love first. We rally around one another and I have experienced that whether we know one another or not, there is an intention to really see one another for who we are.” Thabi Gumede
By Kim Jansen
IG: @KimJansen777