December 1st is National Women Support Women Day, one of the many thousands of celebrations we’ve attached to a calendar day that most of us never knew existed. And while I’m all for a day to celebrate pancakes, pirates, or Pomeranian puppies, I’m even more excited to honor the beautiful women who help make this world a better place. So, I present to you: 7 ways women can support women.
#7- Harness the Power of Connection
Your hairstylist has a heart of gold. You neighbor runs a nonprofit that helps the homeless population in your community. Why not connect them?! Do you know a new mom on base looking to make new friends? Connect her with your friend group, Bible study, play group, or yoga class. Humans were created to be in relationship with one another, so take a few minutes out of your day to bridge the gaps and help women connect with other women.
#6- Use Your Words
It sounds so simple, but a kind word can change someone’s mood, their day, or even their life. If you want to empower women, use your words! Tell the women in your life what you love about them. Speak blessings over them. Express your gratitude. Encourage them. Motivate them. Assure them. Offer your sympathy. Congratulate them. Never forget the power of your words.
#5- Show Up
Bring the casserole. Pick her kids up from school. Send the text. Hold her hand. Offer her a tissue. Toast her new promotion. Hold the newborn so she can shower. Offer her the hand-me-downs from your kids. Bring the wine when he deploys. Be there. Emotionally. Physically. Just show up.
#4- Collaborate, Don’t Compete
Women are notorious for being caddy, competitive, and cruel when they want to be. It’s time to flip the narrative and create space for women to collaborate instead of compete. Work together. Build bridges. Celebrate others’ victories. Women support women when they work together for a common goal and lift each other up in the process.
#3- Hire, Train, and Mentor Women
We live in a nation where women can do and be anything they want. Let’s not take that for granted. There are still women in this world who cannot vote, drive, marry for love, decide how many children they want, or even go to school. If you want to support women, hire them. Train them. Mentor them. Help them reach their goals in life. Take them under your wing. Do it for the women who will never have the opportunity.
#2- Support Women-Owned Small Businesses
There’s nothing wrong with shopping online or at big box stores, but think about the difference you can make in a woman’s life simply by purchasing your Christmas presents from her boutique or ordering a birthday cake from her bakery. If you want to be an encouragement as well as a financial blessing to a woman, support women-owned small businesses.
#1- Get Involved in Women’s Issues
Sponsor a girl in a foreign country so she can go to school. Donate items to a crisis pregnancy center. Stand up against gender violence, female genital multilation, and child marriage. Learn how to protect yourself and others from human trafficking. Only buy ethically sourced products that do not abuse laborers. Become trauma-informed. Learn the truth about how women are treated in the sex industry. Get involved in women’s issues and be a voice for the voiceless. This is how women support women.
