Our minds are spinning with endless to-do lists. There’s no one to ask for help – and even if there were, the logistics would probably get even more complicated. We know that we can only give when our own cup is full but let’s be honest: recharging isn’t always easy. Sounds familiar?
Many of us live like this: we push our own needs to the background and keep spinning the wheel – more or less on our own. But research shows that human connection, especially for women, greatly reduces stress. In a supportive, accepting community, our nervous system simply works differently: we slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and find our inner resources again.
They Sat in a Circle and Didn’t Fall Apart
In earlier times, communal life was a natural part of everyday living. The women’s circle, for example, is one of the oldest forms of community, present even in tribal societies. Women gathered to teach, heal, and support each other, forming a circle to protect and empower one another.
This collective experience is waiting to be rediscovered, and the good news is, we can still find ourselves in it today. Modern women’s circles come in many forms. They don’t necessarily focus on fertility or nature’s cycles anymore, they support the participants’ self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth.
They are safe, honest, and supportive spaces where you can be yourself – exactly as you are. You’ll always find someone who listens, understands, and doesn’t judge. That in itself is healing, even if you’re not the one who shares much, but rather the one who witnesses others’ stories and draws strength from them.
Do you know DONNA? We warmly invite you to meet her.
Give Yourself the Gift of Connection
Women’s circles are as diverse as we are. You can find, for instance:
- Art-based circles, where creative self-expression – through drawing, painting, music, dance, or improvisation – helps you connect with your inner world. You don’t need to be ‘good’ at it, just present.
- Nature-based circles, where time spent outdoors (like forest bathing, mindful walks, or garden activities) supports slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
- Spiritual circles, where sharing and being together touches deeper, sometimes transcendent layers, through meditation, song, or ritual.
- Tradition-based or ritual circles, which celebrate the cyclical nature of womanhood, the seasons, or female archetypes – often drawing from folklore or mythology.
Every circle is unique, shaped by the people who take part in it. Different types can even blend together.
The DONNA project, for example, integrates artistic and nature-based activities. The practices and methods developed within DONNA can inspire anyone facilitating women’s groups, community sessions, or self-development programs.
Women’s Circles as a Source of Methodological Inspiration
The guiding principles of women’s circles – honest sharing, active listening, trust, and a non-judgmental atmosphere – can also be beautifully adapted to youth work. For facilitators, these experiences can help create safe spaces where both young people and adults can experience the power of community learning and self-reflection.
Such spaces strengthen resilience, support emotional awareness, and foster non-formal learning. Whether in mixed groups or themed sessions (such as girls’ groups, youth workshops, or art projects), the spirit of women’s circles can inspire the work of youth workers, educators, and community facilitators alike.
How to Find or Start Your Own Circle
Take a look around, you might already be surrounded by your circle. If you meet your friends regularly, set a shared intention and create a safe, supportive space together. And if you don’t have such a space yet, you can start one yourself!
1. Clarify your purpose
What motivates you? Mutual support, creative expression, time in nature? This will guide your shared direction.
2. Choose the location
It can be someone’s living room, a community space, a garden, or a clearing in nature… The important thing is that it supports presence and honest connection.
3. Set simple rules
- Trust is built on confidentiality: what’s shared in the circle stays in the circle.
- Everyone brings their own experiences – no advice, no judgment.
- Silence is okay: sharing is welcome but never required.
- Respect each person’s presence and give space to all voices.
- Encourage authenticity – come as you are.
4. Prepare the frame
Think about the structure: how often and for how long will you meet? Will there be a theme or guided activities (like creative writing, painting, walks in nature, experiential learning games, sharing circles, or meditation)?
5. Open the circle
Invite those you’d like to share this space with – either personally or through social media.
6. Reflect together
Ask for feedback regularly and shape the process based on your group’s needs.
Guides and Tools for You
To help you start and plan your own women’s circle, the DONNA – New Path for Inclusion project offers plenty of inspiration: connection and self-awareness games, improvisation practices, templates for community art, and a detailed facilitation guide.
If you’re looking for more community-building practices, explore the HEART Toolkit, where art-based and experiential learning activities help develop resilience and emotional strength.
The DONNA project was co-funded by the European Union and run by Associazione La Città del Sole Locri, Academy of Experience, Asociación Experientia, and MARTA.