How Women Support Each Other in Challenging Times

Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: how women show up for each other during challenging times. I mean, it’s such a beautiful, powerful thing, isn’t it? The way women create these spaces—sometimes without even realizing it—where support, understanding, and strength just flow. It’s one of those things that can feel almost instinctive. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I have so much hope for us, even when things feel hard.

Think about it. When life throws curveballs, where do we often turn first? To the women in our lives. Our friends, our sisters, moms, coworkers—whoever makes up that circle. And the thing is, it’s not just about advice or problem-solving, though that’s definitely part of it. It’s about the emotional connection. The way someone can just say, “I hear you. I see you. You’re not alone in this.” That alone can make the weight you’re carrying feel a little lighter.

There’s something unique about the way women support each other, too. It’s layered. It’s not just one thing. Like, take friendships for example. We talk about “ride-or-die” friendships, but what does that actually look like? For me, it’s been those moments when a friend doesn’t just show up—they stay. They stick with you through the messy parts. You know, the parts you don’t necessarily want to share with the world. They’re there when you’re crying at 2 a.m., or when you need someone to text you random memes because you just can’t handle another heavy conversation. That balance of seriousness and lightness? That’s love. That’s support.

And then there’s the way women rally in bigger, collective ways. I’m talking about how entire communities come together during challenges. You see it during natural disasters, during political movements, during moments when the world just feels like it’s falling apart. Women step up. They organize meal trains, they check in on neighbors, they create fundraisers. And it’s not just the big stuff, either. It’s in the small acts, too. Like, someone notices you’re overwhelmed and just quietly takes something off your plate. Maybe it’s picking up your kids from school or sending you a “thinking of you” message when you didn’t even realize you needed it. It’s these small, thoughtful gestures that build this web of care.

I think one of the reasons women are so good at this is because we’ve often been in each other’s shoes. Not always exactly, of course—everyone’s challenges are different—but there’s this shared understanding that life isn’t always kind. And that shared experience creates empathy. Like, when one woman says, “I’m struggling,” and another says, “I’ve been there,” it’s not just words. It’s a bridge. It’s someone saying, “You don’t have to do this alone. I’ll walk with you.”

And I want to pause here and acknowledge something: not every woman feels like they have that kind of support. I’ve heard from people who feel isolated, who’ve been let down when they reached out. And that’s hard. But I think that’s why it’s so important to talk about this. Because when we know how impactful support can be, we’re more likely to offer it—and to seek it, too. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but when you do, it can open the door for connections you didn’t even know you needed.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how much strength comes from simply being present. Sometimes we feel like we have to fix things for the people we care about. But honestly, some of the most meaningful support I’ve ever received wasn’t about fixing anything. It was about someone just being there. Sitting with me in the uncertainty, the sadness, the frustration. Not rushing to make it better, but just letting me feel what I needed to feel. That’s powerful.

And this extends beyond personal relationships. It’s amazing how women show up for each other professionally, too. Think about mentorship. Women lifting each other up, opening doors, saying, “Hey, you belong here. Let me help you get your foot in the door.” Or even just the way we cheer for each other’s wins. I love seeing women celebrate each other—whether it’s a big promotion or just surviving a tough week. There’s this sense of, “If one of us succeeds, we all succeed.”

One of my favorite examples of support is storytelling. Women sharing their experiences, their lessons, their truths. I think about how much I’ve learned from hearing other women talk about their struggles and how they’ve come through them. It’s not just inspiring—it’s grounding. It reminds you that hard times don’t last forever and that you’re capable of things you might not even realize yet.

And it’s not just the stories of triumph, either. Sometimes it’s the stories that don’t have a neat, happy ending yet. The ones where someone says, “I’m still figuring it out.” That kind of vulnerability creates connection. It’s a reminder that we’re all works in progress, and that’s OK.

So, yeah, when I think about how women support each other during challenging times, I see so much strength, so much love, and so much resilience. It’s this incredible, unstoppable force. And if you’re ever doubting that—if you’re ever feeling like you’re alone in what you’re going through—just look around. Because I promise, there’s someone out there who gets it, who’s ready to hold space for you. And when the time comes, you’ll do the same for someone else. That’s how we keep each other going.

Building a Community of Empowered Women

Let’s talk about building a community of empowered women. It’s a topic that’s incredibly important, not just for the women involved, but for the ripple effects it can have on families, workplaces, and society as a whole. When women come together to support, uplift, and empower each other, the results are nothing short of transformative.

But how do you actually go about creating that kind of community? It’s not as simple as just gathering people in the same room. Real empowerment comes from intentional actions, shared values, and a commitment to growth—not just individually, but collectively.

First, let’s start with the foundation: creating a space that feels safe. And by “safe,” I mean a space where women feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their stories, and showing vulnerability. This could be a physical space like a local meetup group, or it could be virtual, like an online forum or social media group. The key is making sure it’s inclusive and judgment-free.

One thing I’ve noticed in successful women-led communities is the power of storytelling. When women share their experiences—whether it’s overcoming challenges, achieving goals, or even just navigating everyday life—it creates a sense of connection. Hearing someone else’s story can be incredibly validating. It reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles or your dreams.

Take mentorship, for example. This is such a powerful way to build connections within a community. Women who’ve walked the path before can offer guidance, advice, and encouragement to those just starting out. It’s not just about professional mentorship, either. It could be about navigating motherhood, managing relationships, or finding your voice in advocacy work.

And mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. It could be as simple as reaching out to someone you admire and saying, “Hey, I’d love to learn from you.” On the flip side, if you’re in a position to mentor someone else, don’t underestimate the impact you can have by sharing what you’ve learned along the way.

Another crucial piece of this puzzle is collaboration. We’ve all heard the phrase “women supporting women,” but let’s dig into what that really looks like. It’s about creating opportunities for others, celebrating each other’s successes, and genuinely rooting for one another.

One example I love is when women entrepreneurs team up instead of competing. Maybe you’ve seen it—one businesswoman promotes another’s products, or two creators collaborate on a project. Instead of seeing each other as competition, they see each other as allies. That’s empowerment in action.

But empowerment isn’t just about the big wins. It’s also about showing up for the small things. It’s about giving someone a pep talk before a big presentation, sharing resources like job opportunities or workshops, or simply saying, “You’ve got this,” when someone’s doubting themselves.

Of course, no community is perfect, and building one takes work. One of the biggest challenges is breaking down the barriers that can sometimes divide us. Whether it’s differences in background, experiences, or perspectives, it’s important to approach those conversations with empathy and a willingness to learn.

And speaking of learning, continuous growth is such a key part of empowerment. That means encouraging each other to try new things, step out of comfort zones, and embrace challenges. A community of empowered women isn’t stagnant—it’s dynamic, always evolving as its members grow.

Let’s not forget the role of celebration, either. When one woman in the community succeeds, it’s a win for everyone. Whether it’s landing a promotion, finishing a degree, starting a business, or just taking a leap of faith, those moments deserve recognition. And celebrating doesn’t just make the person feel good—it reinforces the culture of positivity and support within the group.

If you’re looking to build or join a community like this, there are so many ways to get started. You could look for local networking groups, online forums, or even social media hashtags to find like-minded women. Or, if you don’t see a group that fits, start your own. Sometimes, the best way to find your people is to create a space that reflects your values and goals.

And if you’re worried about not knowing enough people or not having all the answers, that’s okay. Communities grow organically when there’s a genuine desire to connect and support one another. Start small—invite a few friends or colleagues, and see where it goes.

One last thing I want to mention is the power of gratitude. A community thrives when its members feel appreciated. Whether it’s a simple thank-you for someone’s advice or a public acknowledgment of their hard work, those moments of gratitude can strengthen bonds and make the community feel even more meaningful.

At the end of the day, building a community of empowered women isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, supporting each other, and believing in what’s possible when women lift each other up.

If you’re looking for more ways to foster empowerment and create meaningful connections, I recommend checking out Mindful’s guide on how to build communities with intention. It’s a thoughtful resource filled with actionable tips. You can find it here: https://www.mindful.org/why-community-matters.

Alright, that’s it from me. Remember, building a community takes time, but the impact it can have is worth every bit of effort. Take care, and keep empowering each other!