Six Habits of Young Women Empowering Each Other

MsDora, Certified Christian Counselor, has spent four decades empowering young and adult women to pursue positive, productive womanhood.

Why would any man or woman not be enamored by an attractive image of sisterhood? Not only because the young women are good-looking, but also because of the social dynamic that their circle represents.

• The sister circle is a picture of beautiful connectedness in a world where disconnect generates pictures of humanity at its ugliest.
• It is a picture that makes parents hopeful and grateful for groups of levelheaded young women to which their daughters can belong.
• It is a picture in which young women celebrate themselves and their camaraderie, showcasing the positives of self-worth.
• It is a picture of young women empowering each other.

First, each woman empowers herself, then reaches out for association with like-minded friends. Together, they establish a group image which highlights the following six supportive habits (among others).

(1) They Respect Womanhood

Nature says to a woman: "Be beautiful if you can, wise if you want to, but be respected, that is essential." – Pierre Beaumarchais

Young women build respect for themselves when they respect the institution of womanhood. They recognize their self-worth and accept all other women as valuable. They replace the myths that threaten womanhood. For example:

• They believe that genius, not gossip, brings women together.
• They look to the power of their merits, not to the presence of males, to make their gathering enjoyable.
• They walk confidently because they know they are beautiful, not because they want someone to tell them so.

They are definitely proud to be women, and they know the importance of strengthening the pride of the sisterhood. They are intentional about creating an atmosphere in which other woman can find assistance, advice and empowerment to grow and help build respectable womanhood.

(2) They Value Male Friends

You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman. - Jane Galvin Lewis

Friendships between males and females provide the opportunity to practice relationship skills. They may come with possible threats to the equilibrium or with potential to boost the sense of dignity. Young women learn to let their conduct reflect the value they place on themselves.

The key to happy, healthy male-female relationships is mutual respect. Women look at each other to see what that looks like within a relationship.

• Does she allow verbal abuse and humiliation or does he speak kindly and respectfully to her?
• Do they seem to enjoy each other’s company, or does one hide from the other?

Purposeful young women value friendships with males because however they turn out, the wise women get wiser. They have lessons to learn and lessons to teach. If the respect outlives the friendship, they have set standards that other women can adopt.

(3) They Share Their Strengths

For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women. - Elizabeth Blackwell

In the sisterhood circle, giving is as important as receiving; if there is nothing to give, there is nothing to receive. All the young women have strengths to share, and they do so happily and confidently. Some are gifted with keen insight, ready humor, organizational skills, good taste in fashion or decorating. Whatever their talents are, they take pleasure in developing them for their personal benefit, and for their contribution to the circle.

Building personal strengths requires that they make use of learning opportunities and spend money on the necessary tools for their trade. The more expert they become, the greater quality of service they can offer. They become models of progress and preparedness. They empower by example.

(4) They Appreciate Youth

The kind of young woman who can be a terrific torchbearer has high standards all the time, not just in her prom dress, but every, ordinary day. - Margaret D. Nadauld

Being young compares to the thrill of having money to spend, making imaginary purchases while window shopping, and returning home with the money still unspent.

The sister circle gives undecided young women the opportunity to window shop together before they buy into important decisions concerning religion, politics, career and relationships. They share their passion for life and achievements; and although each individual is obligated to make her own decision, girlfriends support each other with reminders to:

• Decide according to one’s God-given purpose;
• Tune out distractions and remain on course;
• Persevere no matter the temptations to give up;
• Be cautious about decisions that cannot be undone.

They appreciate the reality that spending time together is easier while they are young than it will be when personal responsibilities increase. Empowerment then may be by remote.

(5) They Love Their Sisters

Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes."

Women, who love being women, are capable of seeing the graces of true womanhood in one another. In the event that they encounter betrayal by a sister, they know that betrayal does not define womanhood because they know themselves.

Young women who learn to love and trust each other form friendships which will support them through adulthood, especially when they need sisters' perspective. So they express their love to one another by:

• looking after each other’s interests;
• admiring and applauding the strengths they see;
• building strength where they see weakness;
• commending worthy effort whether the performer is present or absent;
• creating opportunities to help each other shine.

“The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process,” says Barbara Colorose. Similarly, no sister loses love in the process of loving others; she becomes more loveable.

(6) They Predict Their Futures

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Based on the potential that they see in each other, girlfriends take pleasure in predicting futures. The person who comments “You’d make a good movie producer,” is registering a vote of confidence, for friends empower friends to obtain the highest achievement possible.

They predict futures, but commit to supporting whatever futures the friends eventually choose. They want the entire circle to get to the top; not only because they feel proud when women excel, but also because they share the joy of each friend who tastes success and satisfaction.

There is seldom a clear path to the future, so divine guidance and intervention are necessities. Young women who engage in the habit of meditation and prayer empower their friends with hope and confidence for the future when they share their faith in a God who controls destiny.

© 2015 Dora Weithers

Comments

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on January 06, 2017:

Dirt Farmer, girlfriends rock! Its a joy to belong. Thanks for your input.

Jill Spencer from United States on January 06, 2017:

What a beautiful hub, in both wisdom and appearance, the quotations and photos tying it all up wonderfully. Anyone at any age would be fortunate to part of such a group.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on January 06, 2017:

Thanks Yecall. I hear you about not finding time; but let's make time for the people and things that contribute to our general well being. Glad you made time to read this article.

yecall on January 06, 2017:

I love the idea of a group of friends. This is something I need to pursue but it seems like in the modern age it is so hard to find the time to do what we need to do.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 19, 2016:

Thanks Audrey. We empower other women when we empower ourselves.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on October 19, 2016:

Great article on empowerment. All women will benefit from reading this so I'm sharing everywhere! Thank you.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 17, 2016:

Thanks to Savvydating, Chitrangada and Kathleen! It is clear that we share the same admiration for young women who honor their womanhood. The win is for all of us--and them. Cheers!

Kathleen Cochran on September 17, 2016:

Congratulations on the award you just won for this article. As the mother of a young professional woman/mother, I appreciate the encouragement directed at this vital group.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on September 15, 2016:

Congratulations for the Hubbie award!

I appreciated this hub earlier and I appreciate it again. This is one of my favourite hub . Enjoy a truly well deserved win and I feel happy to celebrate with you!

Cheers !!

Yves on September 13, 2016:

Congratulations on winning the Hubbie award, Ms. Dora. This piece is truly inspiring!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 13, 2016:

Thanks to Faith Reaper, Cam8510, and Bravewarrior for taking the time to celebrate with me.

Thanks also to those who voted, those who support and encourage me all year long by reading and sharing their feedback.

The inspiration for this article came from the pictures (posted above) which my daughter sent me of her friends celebrating her birthday. All the young women were so beautiful, and I was so proud of them for enjoying who they were (without men propping them up). Female empowerment at its best!

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on September 12, 2016:

Congratulations on your Hubbie Award, Dora! You bring such profundity to this site. Your award is well deserved, lady!

Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on September 12, 2016:

Congratulations on winning a Hubbie Award for this Hub. You definitely deserve this recognition.

Faith Reaper on September 12, 2016:

Congratulations, MsDora, for your well-deserved Hubbie Award for this wonderful hub!

This is one of my favorite hubs!

Bravo!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on March 27, 2016:

Savvy, that's really sweet of you. Blessings on you, too and Happy Easter to you and yours!

Yves on March 26, 2016:

Ms. Dora. I just wanted to stop by briefly to wish you a happy Easter. May God bless you for being the positive influence that you are here on HP!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on February 08, 2016:

Besarien, so glad you identify with the women we describe here. I know some of those men you mention, and wise women empower each other to laugh at their cowardice. Stay beautiful and strong!

Besarien from South Florida on February 07, 2016:

We have all known men who would see that group of strong women who love and support one another and would run the other way too, MsDora which is good because those aren't the men we want around us anyway. I love this hub and the author's beautiful spirit.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on January 23, 2016:

Hi Savvy, one of these beauties is my daughter and the others are hanging out with her on her birthday. The photo inspired this article. It made me feel happy for all of them that they could enjoy themselves in a group of only women. Thanks for your encouraging comment.

Yves on January 23, 2016:

Wow! This article is wonderful! Do you know all those beautiful young ladies?

Yes indeed, if women can learn to support one another in life's journey, everyone wins. I loved the way you displayed this hub too---it made reading very easy and pleasurable. I love the whole package!

I have to say that "Respecting Womanhood" is always #1 on my list!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 15, 2015:

Rabadi, what a good feeling your comment gives me. Thanks, Friend.

O from New York on October 15, 2015:

I love reading your articles and glad we are friends on Hub :)

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 12, 2015:

Martie, thanks for your very encouraging comment. We cannot say too much about this topic; it deserves ongoing attention.

Martie Coetser from South Africa on October 11, 2015:

Excellent and profound statements about women empowering each other. Thank you, MsDora :)

Aeva Gono from Philippines on October 11, 2015:

Yes, that is absolutely a great idea!! Thank you so much MsDora :)

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 10, 2015:

Bless your heart, Evane! Best to you and your friends going forward. Perhaps you might make a new friend where you are; if not, think reunion with the ones you left behind.

Aeva Gono from Philippines on October 10, 2015:

Yeah, I did. After I read this, I contacted each of them. What a relief! :) I just miss them so so so much!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 10, 2015:

Ahhhh! Happy for you that you have good friends. Good time to call at least one and share some love.

Aeva Gono from Philippines on October 09, 2015:

This hub made me miss my friends so much ;) *Teary-eyed

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 07, 2015:

Patty, thanks for your kind comment and that info on age. Quite encouraging!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 07, 2015:

Swalia, that is a quote we women can all live by. Hope you can help even a few of those women to value themselves as much as they value their family members. Thanks for your comment.

Patty Inglish MS from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on October 07, 2015:

This is a wonderful Hub and since so many young women ages 18 - 35 read HubPages, our message will spread among them pretty quickly. Excellent!

Shaloo Walia from India on October 07, 2015:

I loved the quote in the beginning of the hub -'Taking joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic.–Rosalind Russell'.

Women, especially in my country sacrifice their entire lives for the sake of their families and in the process, forget to live. Wish women would take joy in living!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 06, 2015:

Patricia, thanks for your contribution to this article. We are on the same page in our opinions about the value of women and also in our wishes for the success of the young women.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on October 06, 2015:

So much wisdom here, Ms. Dora. Women do work harder to prove their worth and often they bring so much more to the table than they are given credit for.

Such a well done hub and lovely ladies you shared with us. Wishing for them many good things and much success.

Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps

shared pinned g+ tweeted

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 05, 2015:

Deb, well said! Thanks for your valuable contribution to this discussion.

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on October 05, 2015:

Without confidence and emotional support, it truly makes life more difficult. We must rely on our individual strengths and weaknesses, and as long as we have a good circle of friends around us to encourage us, that is all we need to reach the apex of the mountain. Thanks for the reminder that simplicity is the key to a solid life.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 04, 2015:

Flourish, thanks for reading and sharing. Your comments encourages me.

FlourishAnyway from USA on October 04, 2015:

What a wonderful hub with powerful thoughts and quotes. Shared!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 03, 2015:

Thanks, Nell. Yes we can!

Nell Rose from England on October 03, 2015:

Hi MsDora, I love it! when we women get together we can change the world! and men of course too but...lol! what a great article!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 03, 2015:

Shauna, thanks for reading and watching. I appreciate your input.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on October 03, 2015:

Dora, this is a very powerful article. Even the advice given by the women in the video sends a strong message for women everywhere to be themselves and don't succumb to what or who the world thinks we should be. We each have something to offer the world. Once we realize that we can nurture our strengths, accept our weaknesses and share the beauty of who we are.

Excellent post, Dora!

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on October 02, 2015:

Just keeping you on your toes my dear :-) Love ya!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 02, 2015:

Word55, my mistake does not define my attitude toward you. I am sorry!

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on October 01, 2015:

Words, MsDora???

Kiss andTales on October 01, 2015:

Really thank you MsDora.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Kiss and Tales, thanks for that statement. I like it.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Bill, certainly men can adjust and apply the same principles to their group dynamics. Thanks to you for your kind commendation.

William Kovacic from Pleasant Gap, PA on October 01, 2015:

As always MsDora - very nicely done. I have to think that those ideas could be applied to men as well, with a bit of a twist. Thanks for letting your voice be heard on behalf of the young women of the world.

Kiss andTales on October 01, 2015:

Yes indeed ! The past is the past , the future gold.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Kiss and Tales, thanks very much for your contribution. I found your article on Wikipedia and it confirms the success of women empowering each other: "Each woman found and touched a part, they put her back together better then the start." So happy it ended well for you. Best to you, going forward.

Kiss andTales on October 01, 2015:

Love this wonderful hub, longoverdue in reading, and says more then I can express, this is what I feel , the building up not tearing down, we have enough in the world that overwhelms the idea,

I believe we are as women to love what we were created for , and love what God gave others as gifts

Then we can get along strengthen one another , build one another up, but I also believe that takes on a truth to recognize error as you also expose in your hub, every human behavior is not right because you wanted it be, or you get pleasure from it, so when someone says hay this is wrong

and there is a good reason , they go on a defense mode , because they do not want to change directions for the good of ones self or others.

I love your hub because even though it is about women , you reach down to the soul of young and old with love as a purpose

I had written a poem on Wikipedia about three years ago it has the same meaning of your hub.

Please take a read I am not as a great writer as you

but I strive to share my soul.User:

Kiss and tales Wikipedia Women heal.

You are such.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Devika, thanks for your affirmation on the power of female togetherness. Gald we're on the same page.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Words, I always appreciate male input when I write about women. You encourage me. Thank you!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Marlene, thanks for your kind words toward the women and the article. Friendship and respect and friendship do make a happy combination.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on October 01, 2015:

Faith, thank you for reading and sharing. Respect, support, connectedness? Truly, they have what many want. Thanks for your contribution.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on October 01, 2015:

Hi MsDora a beautiful hub! I so agree with how a woman can feel for another woman. A great meaning to the power of woman when together.

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on October 01, 2015:

Beautiful ideas Dora, I'll toast to them all. Great write up and bonafide pictures! These sisters have so much flair. Men should love, respect and honor all of that. Thank you for such wonderful presentation and model for all women to see and read.

Marlene Bertrand from USA on September 30, 2015:

These women are absolutely gorgeous. Your story is inspirational and I hope many people read it to learn the value of respect and the preciousness of friendship among women. It can be a powerful thing.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on September 30, 2015:

It is such a beautiful thing to see when young women truly come together in support of one another. Respect of oneself is so important in this life as others can see it on their beautiful faces and what a testimony to all other young women. The message sent out is ..."Hey, I want what they have." Seek and you shall find.

I love this inspirational hub here. Thank you for sharing the lovely photos of all of the lovely young women, as well as all of your wonderful insight.

Sharing everywhere

God bless you

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Manatita, congratulations on your spiritual living anniversary! You can only shine brighter, going forward. Thanks for your beautiful contribution to my article.

manatita44 from london on September 30, 2015:

Extremely beautiful and wholesome women, even down to the drinks. I like the spirit of togetherness, of camaraderie, and most importantly, the six invaluable habits.

To empower women to be respectful and dignified, is a tremendous asset to all, searching for a flame to kindle their femininity in a positive direction.

Excellent and well-written Hub, one most certainly useful for parents and children, and a must read.

I encourage you to continue to highlight these superior morals, modesty and sense of respect for Self, for this is essential before we can indeed reach out to others.

Much Love this Thursday. It is my 33rd Anniversary this day, of conscious spiritual living. Peace.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Denise, I agree that for the most part, society has a distorted view of our young women; together they can offer peer support instead of peer pressure. Thanks for your contribution.

Denise W Anderson from Bismarck, North Dakota on September 30, 2015:

This is such an inspiring article! Helping our young women to be the best that they can be is sometimes a challenge. Our world sees them as creatures of pleasure rather than as human beings with infinite worth. Helping them to make connections, share dreams, and uplift and strengthen one another is giving them a great gift of hope for a better future!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Frank, thanks for the sweet words. Womanhood is one of my most favorite topics.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on September 30, 2015:

they are an amazing bunch, and you are amazing for sharing their habits, MsDora you shine when you write hubs like this.. simply amazing.. bless you

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Eric, thanks for your affirmation: "There is simply nothing in this world that is as attractive as a young lady who is comfortable in her own skin, except maybe a group of them." I know that I'll quote you one day. Thanks to your daughter for her sterling contribution to positive womanhood!

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on September 30, 2015:

Most illuminating. Did you write this 20 years ago? I ask because my daughters seem to have gotten this advice and followed it somehow. There is simply nothing in this world that is as attractive as a young lady who is comfortable in her own skin, except maybe a group of them. Or maybe it is an old lady who has lived her life as you suggest.

Thank you for the good you do.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Chitrangada, I agree with that saying. Women minister to women better than the other gender can.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 30, 2015:

Thanks Jackie! Nothing is more beautiful than young women exuding inner beauty.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on September 30, 2015:

Beautiful subject and you made some interesting points.

There is a saying that only a woman can understand another woman. I feel that when it comes to empowering another women it is the women who can do it in a better way. She could be a friend, sister, sister in law, mother or daughter, daughter in law and so on. Because they understand each other's feelings and challenges. Appreciation and encouragement from a fellow woman means a lot.

Thank you for the refreshing read!

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on September 29, 2015:

Pictures inspire me too sometimes, Dora. I love the last one up there too.

You have a wonderful message as always and if it could just be this way more often how much better off young women would be.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 29, 2015:

Thanks Bill. Actually, the article was inspired by the first picture. Who knew that one picture of beautiful, black women could extract one thousand words from me?

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 29, 2015:

I love the spirit of this article, and the pictures are fantastic. We need more empowering articles like this one, Dora. Well done!