The Importance of Female Friendships

Written and designed by: Sophie Ho Xuan Yi (23-E3)

To all the girls in the world, have you ever felt that certain friendships were just “not the same” as others? Where you felt as if your closest female friends gave you a bond different from any other? Well, going from an all girls secondary school to a co-ed junior college, this is certainly something that I have personally experienced. Now, this is not to undermine other forms of friendship, as I do think those have their own perks! But it seems what started as a love letter for all the female friends in my life has now taken shape in the form of this article. So enjoy!

Female friendships provide support systems

So how do female friendships benefit both parties involved? Well, I feel that female friendships provide a crucial support system for girls. Friends offer understanding, empathy, and encouragement for each other through life's toughest times. These friendships serve as a safe space for sharing vulnerabilities and seeking advice without fear of judgement. This support system therefore provides crucial help for young girls and women alike. 

In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to get caught up in negative feelings, especially when we begin to feel that we are simply not doing as well as others in life, whether it be academically, socially, or in terms of character development. However, such trying times are precisely when friendship shines through, as friends offer words of encouragement, a listening ear, and even brutal honesty when required. This support system thrives on equal contributions, where both people take turns being vulnerable and accepting help, as well as giving help to the other, creating a dynamic where both individuals feel valued and needed. 

Consider, for example, a teenager facing the pressure of academics as well as personal relationships simultaneously. These troubles would definitely be enough to invoke feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. However, in such times, her female friends can serve as a source of unwavering support to help her through her problems. By providing a safe environment for vulnerability and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, these bonds enrich our lives in immeasurable ways. 

Female friendships come with health benefits

Research indicates that strong female friendships contribute significantly to overall well-being. Close friendships can reduce stress and feelings of worry, while boosting feelings of happiness and fulfilment. Numerous studies have put on display the correlation between female friendships and mental health. While we typically think of female friendships being teenage ones, the truth is that they play just as large a role in our lives even after we get older. It has even been proven that spending time with friends actually aids elderly women in coping with feelings of loneliness and depression, proving the immense impact our friends can have on us throughout our lives!

However, the benefits of female friendships are not just limited to emotional ones! Studies show that having strong female friendships can yield a multitude of health benefits that increase life expectancy, and contribute to a healthier life. One of the most significant health benefits attributed to female friendships is a reduced risk of chronic diseases in older age. Research demonstrates that individuals with strong social support networks are less susceptible to a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. This also comes about as a result of female friendships increasing the release of the hormone oxytocin, which reduces the harmful effects that stress can have on an individual. Perhaps the saying “laughter is the best medicine” is true after all! 

Additionally, close female friends can actually boost immune function in women. A study indicates that women with strong friendships have thriving immune systems, making them less likely to fall sick from an infectious illness. Also, it is pretty amazing that even breast cancer patients have increased survival rates when they have strong female friendships!

Female friendships are built off shared experiences 

What’s one thing that girls have in common with each other that cannot be replicated by others? Of course, it is what’s been coined “the female experience”, referring to the upbringing of girls, societal expectations, and roles of females ranging from daughters to mothers to grandmothers, as well as the feeling of living in a male-defined society.

These friendships are formed across moments in life, whether it be joyous celebrations or heart-wrenching devastations. Life is a journey with ups and downs at every stage, and having people that can relate to you and share these memories with you enriches your life. Through laughter, frustration, fear, and tears, steady connections are formed, providing companionship every step of the way.

Moreover, women are also able to gain new perspectives and advice from people with different backgrounds, which helps us gain fresh opinions and insights into different experiences. Be it seeking guidance on navigating careers, finding solutions to personal problems, or making difficult decisions, friends are a valuable source of wisdom. For example, a friend can give a unique outlook on certain issues, stemming from both her own experiences of similar events as well as a contrasting background that allows her to see things differently. 

Women are empowered by female friends

Female friendships transcend mere companionships, in the way that they are a form of transformative strength that enable women to discover more about themselves and grow as individuals. Within the nurturing space of such friendships, we can find the courage to embrace our strengths, improve weaker aspects of ourselves, and follow our dreams. With the encouragement of our friends, we learn to overcome challenges in life that previously seemed impossible. 

Have you ever felt insecure and anxious about your own abilities and what you could achieve? Where you desperately had a goal in mind with no certainty that you can reach it? Now imagine that at the time you had a loving embrace and words of encouragement, pushing you to work harder and just believe in yourself. That is what female friendships do, and why the empowerment it provides is so important, for without it, perhaps even I would not have taken the leap of faith to write this article. 

This applies to women of all ages, since the obstacles that one faces vary over the years, but the basis of overcoming them – meaning the strength to take risks, seize opportunities, and to become the best version of ourselves – remains. Women grow through the collective strength of their female friends uplifting and inspiring one another, thus empowering us. 

In addition, female friendships also serve as a celebration of womanhood in all its beauty. Female friendships provide needed experiences of sisterhood, where the joys and challenges of life are not only acknowledged, but celebrated, thus putting on display the strength and resilience of women. 

In essence

Through mutual support, common experiences, and encouragement, female friendships inspire women to embrace themselves in all their entirety, pursue their passions, and overcome the impossible. As we continue to cherish and foster such connections, we not only nurture our own well-being and enrich our own lives, but also uplift other women and contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and supportive world for women everywhere.

So, the next time you see a girl looking a little out of place, why not make the first move and talk to her? Perhaps you might find a new best friend who can add a lot to your life!

Bibliography

Healy, M. (2005, June 15). Science confirms that women reap health benefits from friendships. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/science-confirms-that-women-reap-health-benefits-from-friendships/

Marcus, B. (2021, February 2). Hanging with your girlfriends helps you live longer and happier. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bonniemarcus/2021/02/02/hanging-with-your-girlfriends-helps-you-live-longer-and-happier/?sh=7c6973676973

Miles, J. (2023, February 22). A 20-year study has found healthy relationships could help prevent chronic illness in women. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-22/qld-health-beneifts-friendship-university-of-queensland-study/102002730