“Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the world has ever known.” – Nellie McClung.

Every time you see differences between two women, the well-known phrase "woman is woman's worst enemy" is sung loudly in the background. 

This is one side of the coin, the other side where women are helping each other, that somehow is not celebrated as much as we should and thanks for taking this positive topic to spread the positive cheer. Our emotions are hyped while our actions are underplayed. When a work colleague enters the office with a dull face, sluggish walk and low energy, she need not say anything as the other women have an expression that says,” it’s ok, we understand”. We care for and understand each other. In various stages of my life, I’ve come across why #Women4Women is important.

Growing up in a household where my maternal grandmother was a torch bearer, a strong lady who led by example, my formative years were moulded by her teachings

If there was any function or celebration at home, she fed the house help first, not leftovers; this I have carried in all spheres of life, whether at work or home. Both my helpers have been with me for thirteen years plus. I watch out for their children's nutrition and education and teach them about Govt policies and accounts like the Sukanya Samriddhi account for their kids and other social protection schemes.

Both my children have been taught to respect all those who help us in our daily lives, like my domestic workers, and they care for them like family. These are certain values that I’ve learned from childhood and have passed on to my children.

I have always been available to the management trainee girls in my professional life and leadership positions. These girls enter the corporate world immediately after college, and a few stay away from home for the first time. A new city, a new working environment and a new culture bring in a lot of anxiety. Several times girls are unable to speak up about the issues they might be facing at work or otherwise; providing them with a comfortable environment to share gives them a lot of confidence.

“Sisterhood” is an incredibly powerful word when women redefine their societal roles, solidifying their identities.

 A lot can be done when #Women4Women come together. For example, during COVID, we came together as WIIM ( Worldwide IIM Women). I am an IIM graduate and hence became part of the group. We formed multiple groups based on our interests. Women contributed their time and resources in supporting grassroots organisations, helping out in relief work, and watching and enjoying Korean dramas together over Google meetings. Going over the top to celebrate online birthdays realising people were isolated and needed extra cheer. The group aimed to help people in need with the required support and form a support group for ourselves. We were sisters in need of sharing the emotional trauma that COVID brought. When physical meetings were nowhere in sight, WIIM was bonding online. What started as a sisterhood activity changed into friendship for life.

“We hang out, we help one another, we tell one another our worst fears and biggest secrets, and then just like real sisters, we listen and don’t judge.” – Adriana Trigiani

In the digital era, there are anonymous handles too for people to post about their issues and get relevant advice whether career, spouse, kids or anything that needs attention. Various.. online forums provide solutions to mental health issues that should have been discussed. Various women's forums guide financial planning, relationship issues, career guidance, etc., bridging the gap between unresolved issues and accurate solutions.

There has been a huge change from when I started working until now, which is for good. The digital divide is reducing; women understand the power of networking and collaborations, and actions leading to collective good are being considered by those who are privileged, and I see women as a confident lot. The sisterhood bonds women across all strata of society. Giving respect to my domestic help and empowering her with the knowledge of various investment schemes, forming the WIIM group, being a mentor to management trainees and contributing in various forums with my knowledge and experience so that it benefits other women are all a part of #Women4Women.