There’s one question I get asked way too often: “Why do you organize events only for women?”.
And I think people usually expect me to say that I hate men… but that’s not the case at all. I actually love men! But this is not about gender – it’s about energy. Let me tell you more so you can finally understand the power of girls-only events.
Surround yourself with like-minded girls
It all started last year in Groningen. My friend Rianda and I sat together and decided to find like-minded girls who wanted more from life than just partying and having fun. After just one event, we started a community – and called it SheGROWS Club.
Why like-minded girls? It came from the idea that we love our girlfriends, but most of the time, they don’t really get us. It’s sometimes quite funny – you can really tell the difference between an entrepreneurial mindset and any other.
I could be constantly talking about goals, mindset, plans, struggles, feelings, and lessons learned, and sometimes my friends look at me like I’ve gone crazy – continuing to talk about their party from last night. It can be frustrating.
The goal was to create female friendships that help us feel supported, motivated, and understood.
Creating a supportive community in Amsterdam
Because we started in Groningen, I’ve had this beautiful and supportive community there. But I always dreamt of moving to Amsterdam (ahh, it’s always good to remind yourself of the dreams you once had – and that you’re actually living them now!).
The first months in Amsterdam were awful. I kept traveling back to Groningen to feel the entrepreneurial support – yet the only thing I did in Amsterdam was have fun.
Earlier this year, I decided to change that and create a supportive community here in Amsterdam, and I did!
All-girls events in Amsterdam
At SheGROWS, we organize:
- Co-working sessions – get motivated, inspired, and get things done together in a cozy co-working space in Amsterdam.
- Networking events – meet other like-minded girls and make connections.
- Fun connection events – add some fun to our gatherings; not everything has to be business-related. Laugh, relax, and build real friendships.
- Business & growth events – workshops, branding shoots, and more to elevate your business or work.
- Sport & movement events – move your body and step out of your comfort zone!
Yes, all these events could easily be for men as well. So again, what is so special about girls-only events? It’s not just about the aesthetics.
1. It’s a safe space to be vulnerable
I won’t give you any statistics, but women tend to open up more in a feminine environment. I’ve observed this my whole life – even in myself. There’s just a difference.
During our biggest networking event in Groningen last October, we had an amazing speaker who talked about how you can turn your weaknesses into your strengths.
I never thought of our events as “safe” or “vulnerable” until that moment, when one of our speakers asked the audience:
“Raise your hand if you wake up in the morning thinking, ‘I am great, I can do anything in the world.’”
Only I and another girl raised our hands.“Raise your hand if you sometimes wake up feeling shitty and other times good about yourself.”
Almost all girls raised their hands.“Raise your hand if you don’t like yourself.”
One girl raised her hand.
I will never forget this moment.
2. We understand each other naturally better
By organizing events for women, we can focus on specific topics we naturally bond over. For example, I started with cycle syncing this year, and in June we organized a beautiful event with Ali from DIV.IN – we explored the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they affect our mood, physique, and even creativity.
We could dive deep into the topic without being judged or limited by men who, as much as we can hope, will never truly understand what we go through.
3. Showing you what’s possible
Sometimes, we just need a role model – someone to show us what’s possible to achieve. And to be able to relate, female role models make it easier. We often have speakers or girls joining events who show others what’s possible – not only career-wise.
Recently, I got a few messages about how my speech, presence, or articles inspired girls in the community to trust themselves more, believe in the process, or simply see that life can be lovable.
4. You leave every event feeling empowered
There’s something magical about seeing a room full of women cheering each other on. You leave every event with new ideas, fresh motivation, and a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.
Honestly, there are days when I feel super low, unmotivated, or just drained, and then I remember that a co-working session is coming up. I know that once I walk into that room, the energy of the girls will lift me up again. It’s like an instant reset.
5. Collaboration over competition
Let’s be real – women can be competitive, especially when operating in masculine energy. But feminine energy is different. It’s nurturing, supportive, and empowering.
At our events, that feminine energy is dominant. You can feel it the moment you walk in. Instead of competing, we celebrate each other’s wins. We share advice, ideas, and opportunities. And that’s what makes SheGROWS so special – it’s really such a supportive community.
Also, we love dressing up for the female gaze only!
How to join
If you’ve been looking for a community like this, a space to connect, grow, and simply feel seen, we’d love to have you!
All you need to do is send an application via our website. Once we receive it, you’ll get a message from us with the next steps.
We can’t wait to welcome you – whether you’re in Amsterdam or Groningen!
