September is International Women’s Friendship Month, and at Kappa Delta, we believe in celebrating the connections that build confidence, foster resilience and enrich every season of life. Whether you’re navigating the early days of college or balancing careers, family and friendships as an alumna, the relationships we form with other women can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. 

In the spirit of celebrating these powerful bonds, Confident Conversations speaker Danielle Jackson, also known as The Friendship Expert, shares how our friendships with women are not just meaningful — they’re essential. Keep reading to explore the science, strength and soul behind female friendships. 

And mark your calendar: on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. CT, Danielle will lead our next Confident Conversations: Connected in Confidence. Her session, Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships, will equip you to reframe disagreements, strengthen communication and preserve the sisterhood bonds that matter most. Registration is open now — register here to save your spot. 

By: Danielle Jackson 

Many of us might intuitively know female friendship is important, but it can be hard to articulate exactly why it makes such a difference in our lives. 

Take a look at the ways forming and maintaining close relationships with other women can benefit our mental health, longevity and wellbeing. 

Women friends help us stress less. 

Many of us are familiar with the concept of “fight or flight” as stress responses. But research by Shelley E. Taylor and colleagues, published in Psychological Review, found that when women experience stress, they are also likely to “tend and befriend” — seeking connection and support in addition to the classic fight-or-flight response. 

When women are distressed, we’ll either tend to those we deem as more vulnerable or go gather with our girls. This brings down our cortisol (stress) and allows us to be more regulated. 

Perhaps this is why it feels so cathartic to bring our troubles to a friend, as we walk away feeling a little more seen, safe and balanced. 

Put this into action: You may feel a need to talk to friends about your hardship, but pull away for fear that you’d be burdening them. If you withhold your difficult experiences from friends, you may be missing out on one of the key benefits friendship has to offer: emotional support. Find the courage to go to friends in times of distress. Their presence alone can be enough to help you recenter. 

Women friends help us reach our professional goals. 

Research by Brian Uzzi for Harvard Business Review finds that women with female-dominated circles tend to make more money and advance in their jobs more quickly compared to women who do not have these kinds of social networks.  

This effect is likely explained by women’s tendency to share information and resources. Being equipped with this kind of intel can help women move forward in their careers with increased access and confidence. 

Put this into action: Think about a few women you know who have different backgrounds and skillsets. Meeting regularly with them can help you clarify and achieve your goals, hold you accountable, connect you with others and become a bold decision-maker – all requirements of getting ahead in your career. 

Women friends help us to live longer.  

Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. (affecting 45% of women over aged 20), but women who have at least three close friendships likely cut their risk by 30%. 

It helps to have friends who keep us active, offer validation and journey alongside us in life’s ups and downs. This kind of support and companionship acts as a buffer to stress and high blood pressure, stabilizing us in more ways than one. 

Put this into action: How do you balance close friendships and acquaintanceships? While you have many “sisters,” it helps to have a few close friendships you can really invest your time and energy into. Get clear about who these women are, and be intentional about enhancing the quality of those relationships. 

The next time you find yourself wondering if it’s worth it to invite women into your life, consider all the ways it can help you to become a stronger, sharper and healthier version of yourself. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Friendship Month, Danielle’s words are a powerful reminder: our friendships matter. They help us process stress, achieve our goals and live longer, more fulfilling lives. 

No matter where you are on your Kappa Delta journey — a new member forming your first friendships or a lifelong member reconnecting with old sisters — this month is a powerful reminder to cherish and invest in the women around you. 

Ready to keep the conversation going? Register now for our upcoming Confident Conversations event with Danielle Jackson on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. CT. Register here.  

Happy International Women’s Friendship Month!