Strangers to sisters: Women's circles bring women together, help reconnect

Kanika Rawat found herself searching for something she hadn't expected to be missing in adulthood: female friendship. "A woman-to-woman connection is a completely different thing," said the 33-year-old, who moved to Pune (the year).

While she lives with her husband and has people she cares about, her friends live in different cities. Kanika's experience reflects a reality that many women say they experience today. But what's turning out to be bridging this gap, helping women create new connections are city-based women circles.

Women circles filling in the friendship gapMoving to Pune meant rebuilding a social circle from scratch for IT professional Prerna Taneja. "As adults, our lives become more structured, and it takes much more effort to create the kind of friendships that happen naturally when you're younger," said Prerna.

Individual and group psychotherapist Sanchita Johri found herself in a similar situation when she, too, moved to the city. While she was looking for a sense of community, she wasn't expecting friendships to emerge from a room full of strangers.

"I found pieces of my own experiences reflected in the stories other women shared. Even when our backgrounds, professions and journeys were different, there was always something familiar," said Sanchita.

More than just an event

The meetups are intentionally designed to encourage connection. Phones are put away. Women spend time outdoors, engage in reflective exercises and participate in activities. Sometimes they are asked to find common ground, which often leads them to meaningful conversations. Kavita Sathe, an early childhood educator who attended one of the meetups, said that it was the simplicity of activities that she liked most.

"There are things you never really ask yourself. I can’t remember the last time I asked myself what I really loved about me,” shared Kavita. For social worker Nehal Sharma, attending a women's circle brought back an unexpected realisation. "We grow up making fun of kitty parties. But I've realised the power they have. A women's circle brings so much connection, support, and community. Women don’t really get to experience that as much," said Nehal.

From strangers to friends

Kanika and Sanchita met through a women's circle and stayed in touch. "Everybody was there to make friends and genuine connections. We were just being ourselves," shared Kanika. A similar friendship formed for Prerna, too. What stood out for her was how quickly conversations moved beyond surface-level introductions. "We were from different phases of life and age groups, but there were very relatable life experiences," said Prerna, who learnt to slow down and be present from her friend Pallavi, who she met at a women's circle.Building a village

Rucha Deshpande, founder of a city-based women's circle, believes the response to these meetups reflects a need many women aren't finding elsewhere. "Women are starved of spaces where they can just be. We are so bogged down by so many responsibilities and so many roles that we keep playing. Women who come are done with small talk," said Rucha. Nehal believes that a community requires participation from everyone involved.

"Everybody says we need a village, but you also have to be a villager to have a village."