From Cliques to Communities: Powerful Women

When you hear the word "clique," you might picture a group of women huddled together at a high school lunch table, whispering and casting side-eyes at anyone daring to approach. But cliques don’t have to be exclusionary or mean. In fact, they can serve as a powerful force for good—especially when it comes to women’s safety.

Let’s flip the script on cliques and talk about not only protecting members of the group but also extending your influence to help others. Think of them less as gated communities and more as circles of support, and yes, empowerment. Here’s how we can make that happen.

Why Women Gravitate Toward Cliques

Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. And although anyone can be part of a clique, they’re primarily associated with women. So why are so many women drawn to cliques in the first place? It comes down to the need to belong. We all want to belong, and our friends provide that. Whether it’s a book club, a gym squad, or a group chat with your closest friends, these circles feel safe in a chaotic world.

The problem comes up when cliques become exclusionary, and believe me, they don’t stop at high school. If the focus is on keeping others out, the dynamics of the group devolve into toxicity. But what if we reframe cliques as tight, supportive communities, where they serve as a literal and figurative safety net for women.

How Cliques Can Keep Women Safe

1. The Buddy System on Steroids

Remember the buddy system from summer camp? It’s still one of the best ways to stay safe. Cliques can be an expanded version of this model. Whether you’re going out for a night on the town or traveling, there’s nothing like having a squad that has your back.

2. Sharing Safety Resources

Your clique can be a hub for safety tips and resources. Share apps like bSafe or Noonlight that can provide an added layer of protection. Discuss self-defense classes or even simple tips like watching your drink at the bar. The more you know, the safer you are—and cliques are a perfect space to share that knowledge.

3. Raising Awareness

Cliques often have strong influence within their circles and beyond. Use that power to raise awareness about women’s safety issues. Start up conversations about drink spiking, coercive control, or online safety. The more your group talks about these topics, the more likely you are to create a ripple effect.

Encouraging Cliques to Help Others

Once your clique has its own safety game locked down, it’s time to look out to others. You can extend your influence to help other women:

1. Be Inclusive

Safety isn’t just for the inner circle—it’s for everyone. If you notice a woman at a bar or event who looks uncomfortable or alone, invite her into your group for the evening. Sometimes, just knowing someone is looking out for her can make a huge difference.

2. Start a “Safe Haven” Network

Encourage your group to establish a reputation as a safe haven for others. Maybe it’s letting younger women in your office know they can come to you if they’re dealing with harassment. Maybe it’s offering to walk someone to their car after an event. Small gestures can have a huge impact.

3. Advocate for Change

Cliques can be powerful platforms for advocacy. Work together to support local women’s shelters, petition for better safety measures in your community, or host workshops on topics like self-defense or spotting red flags in relationships. The key is to use your group’s energy to create real change.

Balancing Safety and Empowerment

The most important thing to remember is that safety doesn’t mean living in fear. It means being prepared, staying aware, and helping others do the same. Cliques have a unique opportunity to create environments where women feel both protected and empowered.

Here are a few ways to keep that balance:

• Stay Vigilant Without Paranoia: Share safety tips, but don’t let fear dominate your group’s dynamic.

• Lift Each Other Up: Celebrate each other’s strengths and successes. A supportive group is an empowering group.

• Practice Compassion: Be kind to others, even outside your clique. Remember, women’s safety is a collective effort.

The Ripple Effect of Empowered Cliques

When women come together, incredible things happen. By transforming cliques into safety-focused communities, we can create a ripple effect that goes far beyond the group itself. Women supporting women is a powerful force, and it starts with small, intentional actions.

So the next time you’re with your squad, think about how you can use your influence for good. Whether it’s keeping an eye out for each other on a night out, sharing safety tips, or extending your circle to someone in need, your clique can be so much more than a social group—it can be a lifeline.

Because when cliques stop excluding and start empowering, everybody wins.