Women Uplifting Women: how sistering supports us all.

How a carpentry term is the perfect metaphor for the ways women support each other.

I’m no woodworker, but I was fascinated to learn about the process carpenters use to strengthen weakened joists when constructing a home. If one of the beams weakens, it isn’t torn out and replaced. Rather, the builder will add one or two stronger beams alongside the weakened one for added support. This practice is called sistering, and I can’t help but marvel at how perfectly that concept describes the ways women uplift one another.

I first learned about sistering through a quote from Glennon Doyle. As she explains, the purpose of sistering in construction is to reinforce and strengthen the entire structure. Similarly, women have the profound ability to provide support to one another in times of need, creating a powerful foundation of mutual strength, resilience, and solidarity. Sistering symbolizes the fact that women’s strength doesn’t come from isolation, but from standing together.

"You can’t build a strong, beautiful, complicated structure—whether it’s a building or a life—without SISTERING." —Glennon Doyle

Uplifting Women Together: The Symbolic Strength of Sistering

Sistering is a reminder that women don’t need to face life’s difficulties alone. We can, and should, uplift other women. Embracing our interdependence through seeking and offering support is a sign of profound strength, not weakness. It also challenges the competitive, patriarchal narrative we face day to day. Rather than tearing each other down, sistering inspires us to build each other up.

 Even if the concept feels new to you, you’ve likely already experienced sistering in your life. You might’ve shared career resources with another woman to help her through a tough time. Or, a friend might’ve offered you emotional support during a difficult breakup or life transition. Sistering shows up in our lives in many different forms.

How to Add Sistering to Your Life:

• Practice being a beam of support. Uplifting other women can be shockingly simple. Lend an ear during tough times and offer encouragement to your friends and loved ones. Don’t underestimate small gestures like these—they can make a huge impact! One thing to note: A sistering beam doesn’t judge; it simply strengthens.

• Create or join circles to foster connection. Look for groups, circles, or spaces that align with your values, or create one of your own! Women’s circles nurture deep connection, trust, and understanding. If you’re looking for a place to start, ALTAR offers both in-person and virtual circles each month for women to gather.

• Uplift women’s voices and celebrate their wins. Especially in the workplace, amplify each other’s contributions and celebrate victories. Speak up for one another and ensure no voice goes unheard. Because, in sistering, every woman’s success adds to the strength of us all.

• Lean on other women. Many of us thrive when we’re uplifting others but struggle to be vulnerable and ask for support when we need it. Leaning on others is an often-overlooked aspect of strengthening connections. If this feels daunting, start small! Ask someone to listen when you need to vent about a minor frustration at work, or even ask for recommendations for a new doctor. Women in your circle want the chance to support you as well.

  
  

ALTAR Community Members together for our monthly Open House gatherings.

"SISTERING: It’s the best part of life because when I’m weak, then I’m strong." —Glennon Doyle

Why Sistering Matters

When women uplift one another, the ripple effects are profound. Sistering supports our individual confidence and builds stronger communities. Sistering makes us more successful. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we have each other to lean on. Together, women can bear the weight of anything.

If you’re interested in a space where sistering is woven into every aspect of the community, we’d love you to join ALTAR! Learn more about membership here.