Global Sisterhood in Action: BG*S x BWE Galentines

Brown Girl* Society (BG*S) and Black Women at Edinburgh (BWE)’s recent Galentine’s Brunch explored the potential for the much-invoked concept of global sisterhood. Holding space for community alongside differences, this is what global sisterhood can feel like.

Last Sunday, Brown Girl* Society (BG*S) and Black Women at Edinburgh (BWE) hosted our first ever collaborative event: the Galentine’s Brunch. 

As University societies dedicated to fostering community among women of color, this event was a momentous occasion for us—not just because of the incredible turnout, but because it embodied the essence of global sisterhood in ways that exceeded our expectations. 

Global sisterhood as a concept is often invoked, yet is rarely practiced in ways that acknowledge and honour the historical inequalities between women of different backgrounds. Too often, mainstream feminism centres white experiences, sidelining the voices and struggles of women of colour. Both BG*S and BWE share the goal of fostering authentic, supportive relationships, and this event was a testament to the power of such connections.

Galentine’s Brunch was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of the friendships and connections that form when communities come together. More importantly, it was a reflection of what global sisterhood can feel like in practice—an intentional coming together of women of colour in a space of joy, mutual care, and belonging. We had craft tables where participants could paint candles, create Valentine’s cards for their loved ones, and apply henna designs to their hands. A photo booth captured the joy and camaraderie of the day.

Food and music were vital elements in creating this space. We curated a collaborative playlist that blended Black and Brown cultural influences. BG*S contributed vegetable pakoras, samosas, and roohafza (rose water), while BWE provided jollof rice, puff-puffs, and vanilla and chocolate cake. The fusion of flavours highlighted the importance of sharing traditions. 

As our first event to this scale, Galentine’s Brunch showed us the beauty of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces where women of colour can come together and simply be.