Sacrosanct Sisterhood

by Aleksa Kruger | Aug 20, 2024 | News

On the evening of 1 August, the Piazza at the University of Pretoria was transformed into a romantic getaway as Commercii, the Commerce Faculty House, hosted an unforgettable National Girlfriends’ Day picnic. From 17:30 onwards, couples gathered for an evening of love and laughter. The atmosphere was abuzz as students participated in fun-filled couple games, with exciting prizes up for grabs. As the sun set, the Piazza was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of romance. Complimentary hot chocolate added warmth to the cool evening, and couples cozied up on blankets, enjoying each other’s company under a constellation of stars.

The evening can only be described as a success as it was seen as a celebration of connection for romantic couples who have become each other’s support pillars.  Although the evening was well-intended fun, it seems to have missed the true meaning of National Girlfriend’s Day by targeting romantic couples—a mistake that seems to be commonly made among the general populace.

National Girlfriends’ Day, celebrated on  1 August each year, marks the beginning of National Women’s Month. It was originally intended to be a day to honour and appreciate the unique and special bonds between girls and the strength found in sisterhood. The day’s origins are a subject of debate, with some attributing it to Mistress Susan in 2004, while others claim it was created by Allie Savarino Kline and Sally Rodgers in 2006 through their now-defunct website, Sisterwoman.com​​. Regardless of its origins, the day’s meaning is clear as it is a perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the amazing bond between the girls in our lives.

The significance of this day, especially for university students, extends beyond the fleeting surface of social media trends. Instead, it reminds us of the importance of friendship and the support systems we have in our lives. University life can be demanding, with students balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. In this fast-paced environment,  it is easy for friendships to take a backseat. National Girlfriends’ Day offers a much-needed opportunity to pause and reflect on the importance of these bonds. Whether it is a heartfelt message, a small gift, or spending quality time together, this day encourages students to reconnect with friends, strengthening the ties that often support them during tough times.

In the diverse environment of a university, National Girlfriends’ Day also serves as a platform to promote inclusivity and to celebrate the different forms of friendships. Even if girls have absolutely nothing in common, the shared struggles, trials and tribulations of girlhood supersede other differences and can serve as a thread that ties us all together. It is a day to acknowledge the value of all supportive relationships, of girlhood. This inclusivity helps to foster a more accepting and understanding campus community where all students feel valued and respected.

While National Girlfriends’ Day may seem like a simple social observance, its impact on university students is significant. When students are navigating the complexities of university life, this day serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of the relationships that support and uplift them.

Aleksa Kruger
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