Does Sisterhood Really Save Lives?

“Does sisterhood really save lives?”

It’s a question I hear more often than you might think. And my answer? Both yes and no. Let me explain.

For centuries, women have leaned on one another not just for laughter or companionship, but for survival. The research backs it up: women with strong social ties live longer, recover faster, and carry less stress. Harvard studies show that friendships among women actually lower the risk of depression, heart disease, and even early death. On the flip side, loneliness has been linked to the same kind of health risks as smoking or obesity. In other words, connection isn’t just nice to have—it’s medicine.

But let’s narrow it down. Because when we talk about sisterhood in the general population, it’s one thing. When we talk about sisterhood among Black women? It’s another conversation entirely.

Black women carry a double burden—gender and race. We face higher maternal mortality rates, more workplace discrimination, and higher stress from systemic inequities. Yet, we also carry some of the strongest traditions of community and resilience. From sororities to church groups, from hair salons to late-night phone calls with a best friend, Black women have always built spaces where we could breathe, vent, and heal. And it’s not just cultural—it’s survival.

The CDC has shown that Black mothers with strong support networks have better pregnancy outcomes than those who feel isolated. Informal sister-circles—the ones in kitchens, group chats, and pews—often function as therapy before therapy was accessible. Our laughter, our “girl, I understand,” and even our silent nods of recognition—these things hold power. They keep us alive.

So is sisterhood life-saving? Yes. It strengthens our minds, eases our bodies, and keeps us moving when the world tells us to stop.

But here’s the nuance: No. Sisterhood alone isn’t enough to dismantle healthcare bias, systemic racism, or the weight of generational trauma. It cannot and should not be the only thing we rely on. What it does, however, is make the struggle survivable. It gives us a net to fall into, a hand to hold, and a reason to keep going.

So maybe the real question isn’t does sisterhood save lives? Maybe the real question is: how do we keep building stronger bonds so more of us don’t just survive—but thrive?

And what better way to explore that than by celebrating together? ✨

Join us as we mark our fourth birthday at Queen of the South—an evening dedicated to sisterhood, joy, and everything we’ve built together. Expect laughter, connection, and a reminder of just how powerful we are when we gather. This isn’t just a birthday—it’s a celebration of us. 💃🏽🥂

https://www.wapbrunch.com/event-details/wap-turns-four