Being a Girl’s Girl

In a patriarchal world laced with misogyny, the best thing a female can do is to be another female’s keeper. To be a girl's girl is to celebrate and uplift the women around you, to foster a community of support, empathy, and empowerment. It's about recognizing the beauty in diversity and standing together through life's triumphs and tribulations, standing up against discrimination and injustice, whether overt and subtle, and working towards a world where all women have the opportunity to thrive

There is no being a girl's girl without sisterhood. In a world that often pits women against each other, whether in the workplace, social circles, or even within families, embracing sisterhood is important. Sisterhood comes with creating a safe space where women can share their joys and sorrows, dreams and fears, without fear of judgment or competition as well as building each other up instead of tearing each other down putting it in mind that collective success is greater than any individual achievement; a win overall for all.

One of the most powerful aspects of being a girl's girl is the sense of solidarity it fosters. Just like Nigerians root for other Nigerians in football matches, award contests and the likes, we find solidarity in university competitions of which Jaw War remains the biggest example. The ladies from QEIIH troop out in numbers to cheer and support their on; a form of solidarity. The loudness of the cheers recognizes that there is strength in collaboration and unity.

Embracing the ethos of being a girl's girl starts with cultivating empathy and compassion towards other women. It means actively listening to their experiences, validating their feelings, and offering support without judgment. Likewise, it involves being mindful of our own words and actions, ensuring that we uplift rather than undermine our fellow sisters. There is no room for “it cannot be me”. A blow to one is a blow to everyone.

In order to achieve the goal of “women supporting women”, it is important to amplify each other's voices, fighting for representation, and dismantling the barriers that hold us back as is already being done particularly on social media platforms. Living in a female hostel can also be  more than just sharing living space. It creates an opportunity to cultivate deep bonds of sisterhood and unity. Within the walls of a female hostel, creating a supportive and empowering environment where women uplift and inspire each other is not impossible. From patronizing and referring that roommate or floor mate to helping them share or like an online contest in order to win or teaching another a skill, supporting another through her academic challenges as well as providing a listening ear or speaking up  for a sister when the need arises.

One of the most peculiar aspects of living in a female hostel is the diversity of the community of women. Surrounded by women from different family backgrounds, religion, tribe  and experiences, residents have the chance to form connections and learn new things that help to understand the importance of respect, tolerance and challenge the already existing notions, assumptions or biases and prepare us for the outside world by broadening our horizon.

 Whether it's participating in communal activities, organizing events, or collaborating on projects, being a girl's girl encourages teamwork, cooperation, and leadership skills and forms a vital means of networking.