First and foremost, I would like to thank Herrington publication for this opportunity. I’m supper humbled and honoured indeed.

I grew up surrounded by brothers and in the main became a tom boy. My father was a boxing coach and as result our house was always full of boys and men, to the extent that I developed a very strong liking for boxing that way before women boxing was popularised, I was already training, sparring and boxing with boys. I became one of the “brothers” so to speak and learnt at an early to middle age the essence of brotherhood.

Naturally as I grew much older, got married and had my kids, I found myself vegetate towards sisters’ who consisted of my sister’s in-laws, my mother in-law and my extended family which now had more women in it. So I have gone full cycle with regards to the aspect of “hoods” if I may put it that way.

In sharing my experience, I will reflect on the power of sisterhood as it relates to, social aspects, marriage, and business.

Sisterhood based on common social values is important as it sets the foundation for all the other aspects of life. As a Muslim by religion, I was brought up with stringent dress code, so having sisters who ascribe to the same assists one to assimilate and feel self-worth and comfort in whatever. As indicated I behaved in the main like a boy and it took my clique of sisters to assist me transition to the “socially” acceptable norms of a woman. They would buy me jewellery and other items that drew the woman in me and would advise me the clothing to buy. It was funny then, but when I reflect on all these I thank my sisterhood clique for this as it indeed assisted with the transformation into the woman that I am today. Many may ask, where was your mother in all this. The unfortunate response is that we lost our mother whilst we were very young and therefore my father played the role of a mother.

When I got married, my sisterhood was there to provide support and guidance along the way. It was difficult as I was away from home in Kenya where my extended family are. Having been married in South Africa meant that I had to build a new clique of sisters. This was not easy but they indeed came in handy and assisted with the kids. As one grows in a marriage their days and times when one needs a shoulder to lean on and indeed the sisterhood was there providing advice, sharing their experiences and encouraging to overcome whatever the challenges were. True and genuine sisterhood is critical for marriage. My sisterhood has been there for me as and when I needed it.

When times was rife for me to venture into business, my clique of sisterhood was there to act as my sounding board and critics of my ideas and approaches to the business. As the business developed they have and continue to play this role. They are also my best cheerleaders as positive things happen and the business grows.

In summary I can vouch for the power of sisterhood. It is an affiliation that goes beyond friendship and feels the pain and joy of the other party (sister) and seeks to encourage the aspects of joy whilst assisting combat aspects of pain. Sisterhood when genuine and founded on these very noble values and principles is important for women and can be the difference between success and failure in any aspect of one’s life.

I am indeed grateful for my experiences and hold the notion sisterhood with high esteem, having experienced this power of sisterhood.