Why Men Should Support Sisterhood for Women?

In 1970, one of the leading figures of the second-wave feminism movement and notable writer Kate Millett proposed the term Sisterhood. According to Millet, this term was the thing she was fighting for every day as an activist; a social union of women that transcends class, religion, or ethnicity. Let’s take an in-depth look and try to understand what Sisterhood is and why men should support it.

What Is Sisterhood?

Any social, ethical, or emotional pact between women can be considered a sisterhood. It operates on the belief that women are stronger together than they are as individuals. Within a sisterhood, women treat each other as sisters, not opponents. They feel that this is the only possible way to women’s empowerment. Anthropologist Marcela Lagarde, who further refined this concept, says that it is a kind of friendship between women who eventually become accomplices to coexist.

Why Is Sisterhood Important?

It is very common for a woman to avoid friendship with another woman due to various reasons. Many women prefer having a male best friend but building a genuine relationship with another woman is invaluable.

Values and Tradition

Women can share unique bonding experiences based on genuine understanding. Their teachings and values on health, upbringing, beauty and style, childhood careers, home economics, marriage, motherhood, and relationships are carried from generation to generation. Hence Sisterhood helps in preserving the tradition along with creating new ones.

Inspiration

We hear inspirational stories of women breaking barriers in an effort to move forward each day. Everything that women are touching is turning to gold these days, and it is no longer a surprise that women are a force to be reckoned with when they are together. Sisterhood provides inspiration and support to women.

Compassion

In the present scenario, if there is something the world sorely needs, it is compassion. Every human being goes through a period where they feel weak or overwhelmed. If two women are going through a similar situation and can relate to each other, they can offer understanding and sympathy to each other. Sisterhood is about alleviating pain.

Tough Love

A little tough love is always necessary for well-being. A true sister may point out your mistakes and urge you to be responsible for your actions. The truth may be a bit harsh for you, but it is a blessing to know that someone cares for you and has your best interest at heart while helping you to get back on track. You do not need a yes-woman who tells you what you like to hear. Instead, you need sisters who tell you exactly what you need to hear and offer practical solutions. 

Safe Haven

Not only women but every individual needs a group of close friends where they can be vulnerable. A haven to share, catch up and unwind. These people also cheer you at your best while encouraging and supporting you at your worst. There is something special about being loved and accepted as you are, and women can find something similar within a sisterhood.

Why Should Men Support Sisterhood?

Men may be the root cause of all the patriarchal problems. They may be abusers and oppressors. Yet men are also loving fathers, brothers, uncles, colleagues, friends, lovers, husbands, and sons. Men who are responsible and care about women should also care about women’s issues. It is safe to say that men should wish to see women happy and prosperous because men’s and women’s empowerment go hand in hand.

How Can Men Support Women?

From lending a helping hand to challenging stereotypes, there are multiple ways men can support women in their day-to-day lives.

Give Them Support

Most women face a tough time in the workplace. They have to navigate between regular criticism, snide behavior, and belittling comments. Either they are talked over, or their ideas are stolen. Such undermined women can only stand a chance of getting their credit if their colleagues intervene. Popularly known as amplification, a term coined by women in the White House during the tenure of President Obama, it is an effective strategy that addresses unconscious bias. The male colleagues stand up to give credit where it is due while interjecting tactfully to pull their women counterparts into conversations and allowing them to weigh in.

Listen to Them

Male allies not only educate themselves about the issues faced by women at work but also believe in them. Most men wish to help out, but they cannot figure out the way. By creating awareness through open communication and dialogue, male allies can give support in the workplace. In most scenarios, people tend to assume things related to women instead of having a straightforward talk. Incorrect assumptions and inappropriate questions must be avoided, especially in the workplace.

Call Out Inequality

Supportive men are no longer oblivious to the challenges faced by women and constantly participate in gender equality discussions. Such men who have witnessed their female colleagues experiencing everyday sexism and being victims of microaggressions no longer stand like pathetic by-standards. They call it out. They challenge and counteract negative labels, stereotypes, perceptions, and even sexist jokes. Some are even active enough to share videos and articles along with tweeting hashtags of popular gender equality movements. Such small acts of resistance can make a huge difference in the long run.

Give Them Space

Most men understand that touching or hugging a woman without her permission is inappropriate. They acknowledge a woman’s need for physical autonomy. According to research, women need ample personal space when approached by men. For the survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence, a breach of their personal space can be especially traumatic. Such men also understand that nicknames, while unintentional, are often used for watering down a woman’s authority. Hence, they refrain from calling women by such names.

Share Parental Duties

Time poverty is something that women are suffering from across the world. Women who have active careers have confessed that their primary challenge is managing time. Hence, men who are supportive tend to lighten their partners’ workload by doing household chores. They also participate in their children’s lives and activities like doctor appointments, homework, exam preparations, and parent-teacher meetings. Such men do not shy away from taking parenting leaves as well.

Share Office Housework

The so-called ‘housework‘ in an office, like getting coffee, making photocopies, and planning the parties, is usually assigned to women because there is this perception that it is a woman’s role. However, male allies tend to share these works that are wildly stereotypical. This also helps in alleviating some of the work pressure faced by women due to additional responsibilities at work.

Advocate For Them at Work

Despite living in a society where women are gradually finding their voice, men are appointed in most decision-making positions. However, supportive male allies have played a significant role in championing pro-women policies. An infrastructure favorable for women would ensure that future economies are dynamic and inclusive, where there are equal opportunities for everyone.

Apart from women and girls around the world, sisterhoods are supported by many male donors and volunteers. A number of male celebrities have also come up and are actively supporting sisterhoods. Many men have spoken out and acted in ways to support women and girls. These men understand the fact that when women succeed, everyone succeeds.