Except you have been living under a rock, no one can deny that the “Girl to Girl” viral post by social media influencer Omotara Lawrence has created a ripple effect on X. Made as a comeback post to the “Boy to Boy” trend, which offers controversial dating advice for men from TikToker Luis Olivas, the tweet has garnered 83 million views with 7,400 quotes and even inspired sub-trends.
Read more: Dear men, the toxicity is becoming boring
As a proud advocate for women’s empowerment, I am deeply inspired by the Girl to Girl trend, which has fostered a powerful sense of support and camaraderie among Nigerian women. In a world where discrimination based on sex and gender remains prevalent, the solidarity among women serves as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that, despite our challenges, navigating life as a woman can be an enriching and uplifting experience when we support one another.
Here are some of my five favourite ‘girl’ quotes so far
“Give your female friends grace”
I’ll say this again and again, give your female friends grace. There’s so much joy in our friendships. 🥹 https://t.co/I8vP2bjmDf pic.twitter.com/E6mqbJFIl3
— Ms. Juicy Ahumuza ✨ (@PeshAhumuza) October 1, 2024
I resonated with Pesh’s statement so much because I believe that it is time to break the cycle of female rivalry. This occurs when an advantaged woman uses her power to suppress another woman, either by physical or emotional maltreatment or unfair competition. This, over time, tends to drive a wedge between women, causing fear as well as trust issues.
Before, I thought women were to blame, but after obtaining more knowledge, I now know this isn’t the case. Sexism has been normalised in many spaces, and many women have been taught to embody these beliefs and hold them as truth. The scarcity mindset also makes women believe they can only get one seat at a particular table. Pesh here encourages us to let go of the hurts we might have experienced due to female rivalry and lean into the joys that a female friendship can bring.
Poses for cramps
Poses for when you have cramps💕 https://t.co/mH5dJ6msdY pic.twitter.com/xdrjUioyQ7
— Baby Chisom🎀 (@chiiiiiisom) October 2, 2024
We all know what that time of the month is like. A girl’s menstrual flow can be hell on earth, with premenstrual symptoms (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and, the worst of them all, the painful, excruciating cramps. But X user Chisom graciously shared how a girl can make the best of the situation with the help of a pillow and three poses: the supported child’s pose, the pigeon pose, and the reclining bound angle pose. You’re welcome.
“Your intuition is powerful”
Your intuition is powerful. Lean into it. Listen to it. https://t.co/cEIpDxMj2W
— reni, the resource | finance & travel (@xoreniii) October 1, 2024
Intuition, or a sixth sense, is something many of us (read women) rely on for snap judgments and often life-altering decisions. But what exactly is it? A 2008 study in the British Journal of Psychology defined intuition as what happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision—but it happens so fast that the reaction is at an unconscious level.
Most times, we tend to mistake our strong emotions for intuition. But on the flip side, this cautionary act can also be negative, as we would start to distrust actual intuitions when they come. A finance expert, Reni, encourages us to think otherwise, “lean into our intuitions, and listen to them,” as they are powerful.
“No rich man is coming to save you.”
No rich man is coming to save you. Learn about money – how to make it, how to save it & how to grow it. https://t.co/cEIpDxMj2W
— reni, the resource | finance & travel (@xoreniii) October 1, 2024
Beyond intuitions, Reni also advocates for women to hone their economic power in her second quote. This situation ensures women can equally participate in and benefit from decent work and social protection, access markets, and have control over resources. And the first step to doing that, according to Reni, is “for women to LEARN about money—how to make it, save it, and grow it.”
This, I believe, is more important than ever, as more than 60% of women in Nigeria live in extreme poverty, even though we make up 50% of Nigeria’s population, according to a study on the drivers of multidimensional poverty.
“Be kinder to your mum. She’s just a girl too.”
Be kinder to your mum. She’s just a girl too. https://t.co/QjnCEsvLJz
— Olori🍒 (@OloriOfOloris) October 1, 2024
Fathers have gone through so much bad PR with the ‘Daddy Issues’ conversation that we sometimes forget that ‘Mommy Issues’ can be a thing, too. While every story on the “toxic mom” is different, there are certain traits they tend to leave behind on their offspring, particularly daughters. This could include a lack of confidence, unhealthy relationship attachments, hypersensitivity, boundaries, and trust.
But Olori cautions us to think of these toxic moms not as villains but as humans. Toxic mothers are not always evil but can also be mothers who are broken and have not sought proper help to raise healthy, emotionally well-adjusted children. There is always hope for daughters struggling with relationships with their mothers once love and mutual understanding are involved.
As the “Girl to Girl,” trend continues to flourish, I fervently hope it transcends mere social media hype and becomes a resounding call to action for all girls to embrace their power and uplift one another, for when women unite in support and solidarity, they become an unstoppable force capable of breaking barriers and achieving greatness together. As the saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall.”
