Redefining Friendship One “Girl’s Girl” at a Time

By Saima Mazumder

Contributor

Via armaghhouse.com

After an eventful night of gossiping and getting tipsy, 18-year-old Tasnia Alam and her girlfriends wandered, hand in hand, through the streets of Montreal. As they ate ice cream and comforted each other through their breakups, Tasnia watched her friends yell excitedly about how they would always be there for each other. She realized that that is the true essence of friendship; supporting one another. That is what being a “Girl’s Girl” means. “It’s femininity at its peak,” she says. 

The “Girl’s Girl” trend is rising in popularity across various social media platforms. However, it gains most of its popularity through TikTok. It is a trend that encourages girls and women to have each other’s backs and uplift each other. In a society where women are often pitted against each other, this trend is one that truly changes the course of female relationships. 

Many women have indeed noticed the impact this trend has had on them. “Before, I was very toxic,” said Tasnia. “I would be jealous of [other girls], I would compare myself to them. It was always a competition. Whether it was grades or looks, there was always something.” Tasnia also says “Now, in my “Girl's Girl” era, there’s no competition. My friends and I support each other and we’ll hype up each other.” 

However, it is crucial to note that the idea of being a “Girl’s Girl” has changed a lot over time. 19-year-old Zuljinnah Syed attests that, “When we were younger, there was no such thing as a ‘Girl’s Girl’. However, there was the term ‘Girly Girl,’ which is someone who embraces her femininity. But it was really looked down on, back in the day. Girls were encouraged to be more masculine and tomboy”.

The term ‘Tomboy’ is frequently used disparagingly to refer to girls who exhibit masculine traits. Hence, it unknowingly diminishes the power of girls. It is referring to a girl who likes “boy things,” as if it is better than “girl things.” 

The “Girl’s Girl” trend challenges traditional gender norms, especially in the context of feminism. The trend serves as a framework for fostering a community of empowered women who acknowledge and advocate for each other's rights and well-being. The true context of feminism does not imply that women are better than men. It simply gives a space for women to set aside petty differences and come together as one. 

“Women, for a very long time, have been conditioned to serve men, to do things for them, to present themselves for them,” explains the 19-year-old Dawson Feminist Union Executive, Grace Shone. “The ‘Girl’s Girl’ trend is really perpetuating that you should be doing these things for yourself and for women around you, instead of putting that energy into men.”

Despite the fact that, from the surface, this trend seems strictly positive, Grace raises some concerns regarding the trend, “Feminism is not only towards women… Everyone can be a feminist and should be a feminist. When you’re using the term ‘Girl’s Girl,’ it feels like you’re putting that whole responsibility of feminism on women… But what about everyone else?”.

According to a survey conducted by The Survey Center on American Life, only 43% of Generation Z men consider themselves feminists. This demonstrates the long journey awaiting gender equality. Improving the place for all women can more likely be achieved if men support and encourage women. Changes as drastic as gender equality is nearly impossible if only one side is fighting for these rights. 

Although it is undeniable that the“Girl’s Girl” trend has helped take a large step in the right direction, it is crucial to remember that the fight for equality is not over. “We should not be congratulating, when this is something we should already be doing,” finalises Grace Shone, regarding the “Girl’s Girl” trend.