Women Lifting Women: The Psychological Benefits of Female Friendships
"Friendship between women is different than friendship between men. We talk about different things. We delve deep. We go under, even if we don’t mean to." – Carrie Fisher
There’s something extraordinary about the way women show up for each other—through whispered reassurances, shared laughter, and unwavering solidarity. As International Women’s Day (March 8th) approaches, it’s a time to honour these friendships that shape our emotional and psychological well-being.
The Power of Female Friendships: More Than Just Connection
A Bond Built on Trust and Emotional Safety
Female friendships often go beyond casual interactions; they provide a safe emotional space where women can share their fears, joys, and vulnerabilities without judgment. Unlike many other relationships, these bonds are deeply rooted in empathy and understanding, offering validation and comfort in ways that feel instinctual. The unspoken emotional shorthand between women allows for an unmatched depth of connection, where even a simple look or a few words can carry profound meaning.
Why These Friendships Matter for Mental Health
Strong female friendships contribute to lower stress levels, improved self-esteem, and greater resilience. These relationships help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and provide a sense of stability during life’s challenges. Having a close friend to lean on can make difficult moments feel more manageable, as shared experiences and mutual encouragement create a sense of security and reassurance.
Community, Belonging, and Resilience
Female friendships don’t just support individual well-being—they also create a sense of belonging within a broader community. Knowing that someone is in your corner fosters a stronger sense of self-worth, helping women face life’s challenges with greater confidence. When women uplift each other, they don’t just build stronger friendships—they create networks of support that strengthen communities as a whole.
Psychological Benefits of Strong Female Friendships
Female friendships offer emotional strength, reassurance, and encouragement. Here’s how they positively impact mental well-being:
Lower Stress and Anxiety: Talking to a trusted friend helps regulate emotions, ease worries, and provide comfort in difficult times.
Increased Happiness: Spending time with close female friends releases feel-good hormones, boosting overall mood and life satisfaction.
Boosted Confidence and Self-Worth: Encouragement from female friends combats self-doubt and helps women believe in their strengths and abilities.
Emotional Resilience in Tough Times: Friendships act as a safety net, offering support during breakups, career struggles, or personal challenges.
A Sense of Belonging: Being part of a strong friendship group fosters connection and community, reducing feelings of loneliness.
Personal Growth and Motivation: Supportive friends inspire positive change, encourage self-improvement, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Better Mental and Physical Health: Strong friendships are linked to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being.
The emotional support from female friendships isn’t just comforting—it’s life-enhancing.
How to Cultivate Meaningful and Lasting Female Friendships
Strong female friendships don’t just happen—they require care, effort, and intention. Here’s how to nurture and maintain them over time:
Prioritising Time for Connection
Friendships thrive on consistent effort. Whether it’s a weekly catch-up, a quick voice note, or a shared meal, making time for each other strengthens bonds. Even in busy seasons, small check-ins—a text, a coffee date, or a thoughtful message—can keep friendships alive.
Practising Honesty and Vulnerability
Deep friendships are built on trust and authenticity. Being open about struggles, joys, and insecurities creates a safe space for connection. Vulnerability invites honesty, strengthening bonds through mutual understanding and support.
Navigating Changes and Conflicts with Care
Life evolves—careers shift, families grow, and priorities change—but true friendships adapt and grow. When disagreements arise, approaching them with patience, respect, and clear communication prevents unnecessary distance.
Celebrating and Uplifting One Another
A strong friendship isn’t just about support during hard times—it’s also about cheering each other on. Celebrating successes without comparison fosters genuine joy and encouragement, creating a culture of empowerment instead of competition.
Meaningful friendships require effort but offer immeasurable rewards, shaping a stronger, more connected, and empowered life.
Women Lifting Women: Beyond Friendships
Female friendships are a source of strength, but women lifting women extends far beyond personal relationships. In workplaces, communities, and society, women mentoring, advocating, and supporting one another creates lasting change.
Power of Mentorship and Advocacy
When women mentor and advocate for each other, opportunities grow. Whether through career guidance, sharing knowledge, or opening doors to new possibilities, mentorship creates a ripple effect. Women who have broken barriers can help pave the way for others, fostering an environment where success is shared, not competitive.
Empowerment in Workplaces and Communities
Support doesn’t have to be grand gestures—it can be as simple as amplifying another woman’s voice, recommending her for a leadership role, or offering encouragement in male-dominated spaces. In communities, women coming together to share resources, build networks, and champion each other’s causes strengthens collective resilience.
Real-Life Examples of Women Lifting Women
From female-led businesses hiring and mentoring young women to grassroots movements advocating for change, the impact is undeniable. Whether it’s a friend offering childcare to support another’s career or a woman using her platform to highlight others’ achievements, these moments create a culture where women rise together.
Changing the Narrative: From Competition to Collaboration
For too long, women have been conditioned to compete rather than collaborate, but true empowerment comes from lifting each other up. Celebrating another woman’s success doesn’t diminish one’s own—it reinforces collective strength. By choosing encouragement over comparison, women can build a world where there’s room for everyone to thrive.
Final Reflection: Who Lifts You Up?
Take a moment to reflect—who are the women who have stood by you, encouraged you, and lifted you up? Female friendships and support networks shape who we are, offering strength and inspiration. Reach out, express gratitude, and nurture these connections. A kind word, a shared memory, or a thoughtful act can deepen bonds and empower us all.