Unlock the strength of your support circle

Unlocking the strength of your support circle (Photo: iStock)

Women’s support circles are powerful spaces where women can come together to share, heal and grow. Whether it’s a coffee meetup or a farming collective in a rural area, these groups offer emotional resilience, professional empowerment and personal transformation.

Nancy Ayugi, an office worker from Nairobi, discusses how sisterhood can provide Kenyan women with strength and hope as they navigate life’s challenges.

Support circles create a haven for emotional resilience. In our society, stigma often silences conversations about GBV or mental health, leaving women feeling isolated. Nancy joined a women’s circle after experiencing isolation due to workplace bias.

“Sharing my fears with other women made me feel seen,” she says. These circles echo ancient traditions of women gathering to share wisdom and foster a sense of belonging.

Women can find a non-judgmental space in which to voice their challenges, whether they are grappling with postpartum struggles or societal pressures.

As well as providing emotional support, circles can promote professional and personal development. Nancy says that the encouragement she received from her circle helped her negotiate a pay rise and overcome her self-doubt.

“They reminded me that my work matters,” she says. In Kenya and across Africa, where women often face obstacles to leadership, circles offer mentorship, networking opportunities and accountability.

Rural groups, such as those teaching beekeeping or farming, empower women economically by enabling them to generate an income from their skills. On a personal level, circles facilitate self-discovery through activities such as expressing gratitude and setting goals.

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The heart of a support circle lies in trust and inclusivity. Confidentiality ensures that women can share openly, whether discussing personal dreams or collective challenges. Also, simple rituals, such as starting with a meditation or storytelling session, help create a sacred space.

Nancy’s circle, for instance, opens each meeting with a gratitude round to strengthen bonds. In rural areas, groups might incorporate traditional practices, such as community dialogues, to ensure cultural relevance.

By embracing diverse voices, circles amplify women’s experiences, fostering healing and collective action on issues ranging from local problems to supporting small businesses. This inclusivity transforms groups into hubs of change.

Starting a circle is easier than it seems. Begin by inviting friends or colleagues to join you and setting a clear purpose for the group, such as navigating workplace stress or parenting challenges. Nancy started her circle with four colleagues over tea, focusing on career hurdles.

Establish ground rules, such as confidentiality and respect, to foster trust. Community organisations and platforms such as Meetup connect women to local groups, while virtual options such as online forums offer flexibility.

Rural women can join skill-based groups that blend empowerment with practical benefits, such as farming or crafting groups. Using WhatsApp video calls increases accessibility, particularly in remote areas. Alternatively, you could attend a meeting in person, as Nancy did, to experience the connection first-hand. One step can lead to a lifelong sisterhood.

Whether you are healing from trauma, pursuing career goals, or seeking a sense of community, a support circle can provide you with the stability you need. Start with a friend or join a local group. As Nancy learned, ‘Together, we’re unstoppable. ‘