There are bonds that, when formed, transcend the normal definitions of what it means to be family. Just as men have their “band of brothers”, women too enjoy a feeling of sisterhood that is undeniably strong. The connection that is formed between women goes far beyond bloodlines and lineage; it serves to envelop all women in a manner that goes beyond most social boundaries. Sisterhood is an ideal from which all women can learn, and a bond that every woman feels.
While the bonds that are formed from this idea are not all-inclusive amongst women, the idea itself is something that every woman has felt at least once or more in their life. To be a woman is to be a sister to all women, to express loyalty, and to show solidarity for all women as well (Nelson, 2014). Negativity and discord between women in society has a great deal to do with culture and how one person views another’s lifestyle and choices. True sisterhood defies those societal norms and perseveres in the face of those who would expect conflict.
Sisterhood could stem from most anywhere, be it a community-based ideal, a sorority, or even a general society-based movement that bands together when needed. There is no limitation set on an ideal such as sisterhood, especially not when it originates from the belief that women of this day and age need to band together at times to help one another. The solidarity between women is necessary in a world that is dominated by male influence. In order to find equality and true understanding women must look to one another in order to gain true perspective.
The act of sisterhood is more than just women getting together to share gossip and
rumors. It is a feeling that women are empowered, and that they are bound together by the
experiences they share with one another (Trudeau, 2016). Belonging to a sisterhood means
being able to stand on one’s own two feet and admit to their passions, their drives, and to support
other women in their desire to better themselves. There is no middle ground in sisterhood, one either dives in or they do not.
Sisterhood can be shared by two women or two hundred; there is no set number or even a condition by which they must connect. All that matters in a sisterhood is that those women who do step forth are willing and able to bond in a way that allows them to open completely to those around them. The ideal can be used to bond women who share similar tragedies or triumphs and allow them to form unity in their gathered experiences, allowing them to thus cement a bond that has little if anything to do with real family. Sisterhood is a means by which women can band together and develop relationships that are just as strong as any familial bond, and can sometimes be stronger.
In my humble opinion true sisterhood is only gained when all types of societal oppression and dissention are absolved and women begin to cross social, class, and race barriers in order to truly identify as ‘sisters’ (McClintock, Mufti, & Shohat, 1997). The unity of the gender is in the acceptance that all women must come together in an effort to make the ideal work, not just those of shared race and/or culture. Sisterhood is a cross-cultural experience that embodies all women and their need to feel as though they belong, and is a powerful bond that I envision for every last woman that desires it. In speaking of sisterhood I believe that women who fully embrace the idea that can become more empowered by their own effort.
Sisterhood means sharing experiences and depending upon one another. It is a state of
mind that encourages a bond deeper than most, and a life that is more fulfilling than being alone.
The strength given by the bond of sisterhood is a means by which many women can live the lives
that are meant for them, not those which are expected. Sisterhood is for all women, not just a
References
McClintock, A.; Mufti, A. & Shohat, E. (Eds.). (1997). Dangerous Liaisons. Minneapolis, MN:
Regents of University of Minnesota
Nelson, S.A. (2014). Time to Put The ‘Sister’ Back in ‘Sisterhood’. The Huffington Post.
Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophia-a-nelson/what-is-sisterhood-really_b_4410051.html
Trudeau, R.P. The Power of Sisterhood. Kripalu. Retrieved from
https://kripalu.org/resources/power-sisterhood
