Salvaging Sisterhood

What is sisterhood? Why does it need to be rescued? Before one can consider salvaging sisterhood, the phrase itself must be defined. The factors that threaten its vitality should then be outlined, and an effective course of action implemented so the state of sisterhood can flourish.

Sisterhood is the solidarity of women based on a community of interests, experiences, objectives and concerns. Salvaging sisterhood involves rescuing that state of unity from utter demise. Women who are united by a common purpose can make great strides to better their communities. Throughout history women have been the quiet (and sometimes rather boisterous) backbone of every society. They have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to their husbands and have given birth to children. They have been teachers, homemakers and caregivers. A woman was traditionally the one who nurtured the sick and elderly. During World War II, women united and began to seek employment outside the home while the men went off to fight for our country. Salvaging sisterhood was important in the days of yesteryear when three generations often lived in the same town. Back then our society wasn’t as mobile as it has become. Families didn’t relocate due to changes in employment as frequently as they do today. A young woman would have the support of her mother and grandmother as she attempted to keep house and raise her children. There was a genuine sense of community, and a woman felt connected to the other ladies in her life simply because she spent more time with them.

Salvaging sisterhood and retaining that feeling of connectedness and solidarity presents many challenges for the 21^st century woman. Some of the factors that threaten our efforts in salvaging sisterhood are listed below:

Isolation from other women

Demands of career and family

Apathetic attitudes

Jealousy and envy displayed toward other females

Lack of a noble cause to rally around

Though the task of salvaging sisterhood seems daunting, there are some practical steps that can be taken:

First and foremost, we as women must view the challenge of salvaging sisterhood as worthy of our time and energy.

Twenty-first century females are incredibly busy. We wear many hats, and the ability to multi-task is a necessary skill. However, despite the pressures of everyday life, we must determine to make salvaging sisterhood a priority. The benefits to our very well being are worth the time and energy required.

Second, our fellow sisters must be viewed as allies and not enemies.

Jealousy and envy was one of the factors mentioned previously that thwart our efforts in salvaging sisterhood. The camaraderie and encouragement we provide to each other when jealousy and envy are absent from the equation is priceless.

Third, we must seek out a common cause to become involved with.

Remember it is the uniting of women through shared experiences and concerns that brings us together. When we come together for the common good, attitudes of apathy will be abated. In short our communities will be a better place to live and work.

If salvaging sisterhood doesn’t become a priority in our lives today, the “tomorrow” we leave for future generations won’t be near as memorable as it could be.