Why We Should Support Other Women

As women we are usually pitted against each other, both by society and by our own insecurities. I often see posts on social media asking things like "how many women can say they have slept with one man for the year" or "how many women can say they are 100% natural"  These posts are designed to divide women, and it is fair to say that they work very well.





Women can be found on social media daily arguing with each other about whose lifestyle is better, or who is raising their children better etc. You can also see women on the street shooting dirty looks at other women, and women in the workplace and otherwise gossiping about hairstyles and dress style of other women rather than working together for a common good. You can also find women in conversations saying things like "I don't have female friends because women are dangerous". I even had a female family member who often professed that she did not want a daughter because girls are "wutless".

These scenarios have always bothered me. I am in no way perfect or completely exempt from this critique. However, in general, I strive to support other women and be as good a friend as possible.  Society has tricked us into thinking that we cannot compliment or acknowledge another woman's beauty or success without saying we are not as beautiful or successful. Perhaps because of our insecurities and our false belief that our main goal in life to attract men, we seem to view other beautiful and successful women as threats. Or perhaps we think the men in our lives are so simple that they can only view one woman as beautiful at a time. Maybe we just can't bear to have attention on any one else but ourselves.

Whatever the reason, it is a very destructive habit that does no good for womankind. This lack of support we show other women can cause them to be scared to try new things because of fear of being ostracized. It also keeps us in a constantly negative mindset, never able to focus on achieving your goals because our focus is on looking for things to criticize in other women. It says to the next generation of women that this self destructive behaviour is ok to continue. It causes inner stress because we are constantly comparing ourselves to each other. The language we use to describe each other ensures that men and the next generation will continue to believe and perpetuate these stereotypes.

On the other hand, studies have shown that when we support each other, we live longer and happier lives. Everyone needs a community. Having a loving, supportive community helps us to see other perspectives, keeps us grounded, makes us  confident to move forward with our goals. As a group it can help us to be more successful, and it can empower the next generation of women to believe in their power.

This is not to say you cannot offer an opinion or constructive criticism to another woman. It is also not to say that we expect to be coddled just for being women. However,  we can offer constructive criticism in a positive rather than disparaging manner. We can help or listen to another woman without letting others know. We can choose to believe that we can all be beautiful and successful at the same time. We can make a conscious decision not to decry another woman because her lifestyle, methods, or station in life is different from ours. We can share our friend's businesses on social media. We can use language that uplifts and not brings down each other. Try it and see how happy you will be in life.

Do you agree that we as women need to be more accepting and supportive of each other? What other ways that I missed can we show support to each other? Comment below and let me know why you agree or disagree with my analysis.