Women and the unbiased power of sisterhood

From anonymous forums to WhatsApp groups, women are building circles of support that extend far beyond friendship, across cities. From sharing career advice to simply offering a listening ear during difficult moments, these networks are becoming communities of care. In workplaces, neighbourhoods, and digital groups alike, women are showing up for one another in ways that make navigating careers, cities, and everyday life easier — and far less lonely.

‘These spaces create real opportunities’
These communities are not just about being understood and heard; they also lead to professional and personal growth New Delhi-based Uma Sudhindra, board advisor at the Strategic Research and Growth Foundation, is both a member and mentor in such groups. She nds women more focused in women-only forums, often leading to quicker solutions. “I’ve seen several collaborations, business expansions, and knowledge sharing. Many women feel extremely comfortable going up to another woman and asking for feedback or advice,” she says.

‘Women never hesitate to help other women’
“Not everyone can understand what you’re going through, but a woman de nitely will,” says Deepti Rao Acharya, an in uencer who is a member of several all-women communities. “When I moved to Mumbai, I was new to the city and had no idea how to get around. Now, years later, some of my closest friends are the women who lent me a helping hand to gure out the fast-paced city. They were the ones who kept me going,” she adds. Now, she pays it forward in whatever way she can. Whenever she gets a DM on Instagram from a woman, Deepti makes it a point to respond, irrespective of what the question is.

No judgement, no bias
In anonymous, all-women forums, the focus is on listening and supporting one another without fear of judgement. Marketer and writer Paula Simpson, who moved from New Zealand to India, says, “You can openly talk about anything and everything, even if it is embarrassing. Since members are spread across the city or country, you know you won’t run into them. That allows no-holds barred conversations.” Chilling together outdoors was also the idea behind Bengaluru’s unique Namma Katte. It is a safe spot by the roadside in Banaswadi where any woman can sit, rest, talk, gossip, sing, or even take a nap — a place where she can simply be. No one knew it until it existed, but this is exactly the kind of space many women in India were missing.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”