Galentine’s Day is more than just a very fun reason to hang out with your girls—it’s a mindset that can persist and uplift all year long. In many ways, female friendships are the bedrock of our lives. Nurturing these relationships, broadening our circles, and supporting other women in every aspect of life has the power to transform our mood, our health, and the world at large.
In fact, a landmark study from UCLA revealed that women often respond to stress by "tend and befriending,” nurturing other women and seeking social connections, which in turn. This innate response releases oxytocin (the feel good hormone) and helps to reduce stress. Plus, it can have ripple effects in our community. For example, another study from the University of Virginia found that promoting one woman in the workplace has “spillover” benefits, positively influencing the careers of many others.
At BRANWYN, one of our core beliefs is to support women in all ways, always. That could mean giving you the physical support to get after a multi-peak hike (we’re looking at you Racerback Sports Bra), or donating a percentage of all sales to our amazing Empowerment Partners who help to create a brighter future.
If you want to get in the Galentine’s Day mindset, we have a few ideas. Consider these methods—all real-world, road tested—to pave the way for the next generation of women and girls to thrive.
Personal Support
Celebrating Wins
How to do it: Did your friend just get a new apartment or run her first half marathon? Hype her up by sending a sweet “congratulations” letter (bonus points for snail mail) or gushing about her milestone the next time you two are in a group setting.
Inspired by: After publicly withdrawing from the 2021 Olympics gymnast Simone Biles was vocal in her celebration of her teammate and competitor Suni Lee, writing, “Congrats Princess! Absolutely killed it!!! Olympic champion right here! So so so beyond proud of you!”
Random Compliments
How to do it: We so often think the world of our friends—or admire strangers—but when it comes to sharing those thoughts, social anxiety gets in our way. Be brave and tell another woman exactly what you love about her, whether that’s her insightful spirit, her radiant energy, or her haircut.
Inspired by: In 1993, artist Frida Kahlo sent a letter to Georgia O’Keefe saying, “I never forget your wonderful hands and the color of your eyes.” O’Keeffe was struggling with depression at the time, and Kahlo’s unexpected support helped her to continue her passion: creating art.
Professional Support
Sponsoring and Advocating
How to do it: Women currently occupy less than 12 percent of C-suite roles—and that’s just bad business. Chip in to course-correct by recommending other women for open promotions or leadership roles.
Inspired by: Award-winning TV producer Shonda Rimes has been a significant advocate for promoting women in the television industry. Her Women Directing Mentorship discovers and supports aspiring female directors by providing them with the opportunity to shadow a director on a Shondaland original series.
Credit Where Credit’s Due
How to do it: Make sure the women around you get credit for their work. That could be highlighting someone’s amazing idea in a meeting. See a coworker absolutely nail a presentation? Email her boss to let them know.
Inspired by: Female staffers in the Obama administration famously used a strategy called "amplification"—when one woman made a key point in a meeting, another would repeat it and give her credit, ensuring their ideas weren’t dismissed.
Community Support
Create Welcoming Spaces
How to do it: Creating women-specific spaces can help foster friendships, while empowering women to try new things. Consider creating a group based on something that’s near and dear to your heart—whether that’s bouldering, breastfeeding, or reading memoirs.
Inspired by: So many of our incredible empowerment partners work to create spaces where women and girls can thrive. Take Lindsey Richter, founder of Ladies AllRide, who puts on mountain biking skill clinics for women or Susan Gaetz, executive director of Casting for Recovery which hosts fly fishing retreats for women who have experienced breast cancer. Read more about these incredible organizations here.
Pay It Forward
How to do it: If you have a little extra money or time, spend it on women in your everyday life. That could mean leaving generous tips for female service workers or donating your time to a women’s shelter.
Inspired by: You! We love to see and hear from our amazing community, and are incredibly inspired by the way you use your power, energy, and resources to support the women around you. Anything you’ve got planned for 2025? We can’t wait to hear about it. Please email us at info@branwyn.com or DM us on Instagram at @branwynofficial.
