As the year is nearing its end, I want to talk about something that not many people talk about, especially in spaces where it’s not really celebrated out loud: ‘Sisterhood’.

I may be speaking for all of us when I say this, but many of the phases I faced this year and even in the years before were made bearable because I had friends who formed part of a circle that helped carry me. 

Through these times, I’ve seen women come together in so many ways that sometimes I genuinely feel sorry for those who don’t have a community of women to help them navigate life’s lessons.

I’ve seen how women support one another in the most ordinary yet powerful ways. From baby-sitting a friend’s child because she’s sick or too tired to move, to helping another friend look for a job, or simply sitting in silence with someone who’s going through a rough patch. These small moments are what hold us together when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

But don’t get me wrong, these friends aren’t just there when things are falling apart. They are the sisters who also show up when times are great. They’re there when you finally get that promotion, when you’re launching your side hustle, when you’re celebrating another birthday, or when you’re just rediscovering yourself after a long, hard season. 

They hype you up and remind you about who you are when you doubt yourself.

This has shown me the true importance of community. We often hear that we must be independent and stand on our own two feet as we grow up. And yes, independence is essential, but what we forget is that interdependence is also a strength. 

To lean on someone and allow them to lean on you is a sign of love, not weakness.

Namibian women carry a great deal through their families, jobs, studies, side hustles, and sometimes, grief. Yet, we still find the time to pour into one another. Whether it’s a quick “you’ve got this” on WhatsApp, a random lunch date to clock the tea, or sending each other money for the children, these are quiet acts of sisterhood that keep many of us afloat, which I am thankful for.

And honestly, sometimes it’s the humour that gets us through. 

The group chat that always has 100 notifications with memes and jokes, and the honest advice that stings when you don’t need it, but is necessary because it heals. The women who remind you to eat and constantly remind you that “ocompany kaishi yaxo”, when you are working too hard.

As we close out the year, I think it’s essential to pause and appreciate the women who have supported us. 

The ones who have loved us in our worst moments, clapped for us when no one else did, and told us the truth when we needed to hear it. Let’s celebrate them with intention. Send that message of appreciation today that sisterhood is such a soft place to land.

*Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in the New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading and content creation. – etuholefrieda@ gmail.com