How women-only spaces are shaping IRL tribes in NCR

The New Year is here, and with it comes goals, reflection, and a reset on priorities. Whether you're crushing fitness goals or manifesting glowing skin, one thing makes it all better: female friendship. In a scroll-heavy world where real connection feels rare, women across NCR are building intentional communities – bringing warmth, presence, and genuine connection back to city life."Today, people – especially women in their 20s and 30s – are seeking community. Women-only spaces give them that comfort, a small pause from their routine," shares Manisha Kalra, founder of City Girls Who Walk Delhi, which hosts weekly events. 'These events resonate strongly with those new to the city'Saurav Arya from Small World, which hosts community events, states women-only spaces are especially popular with city newcomers. "At our hour-long Women's Circle, participants connect with others navigating similar life or career transitions, forming a relatable circle. These gatherings resonate strongly with those new to the city."'Walking with 50–100 women feels like reclaiming the space'With women-only group walks, the goal isn’t to make a statement – but confident women walking side by side create one. Manisha began visiting public parks after organising walks. “I wouldn’t go to these parks before because of the perception that only couples go there. Walking with 50–100 women makes you feel like you’re reclaiming the space. You have the right to roam, be around trees, and enjoy nature.”Abida Nahid, who has joined women-only walks for over two years, adds, "Being around such positive women healed me during a tough time. There’s something comforting about being with girls." 'There's a cathartic joy in making something together'For most women-only events, the motto is to help women build their own networks. Founder of women-only book club SheReads, Rashi Sharma says, "While a love of reading brings everyone together, connections form when stories resonate with personal experiences." Anoushka Jain, founder of Enroute Indian History, which hosts heritage walks for women, says participants often form commuting partners during night walks at monuments. She adds, "I've seen women support and motivate each other to take pictures – something they rarely do on mixed walks, where self-consciousness sets in."Communities curate creative events to help women break the ice. Tavleen Kaur, founder of GirlTalk, which hosts creative workshops, says, "When you’re creating, you’re in your most vulnerable state – that’s when connecting feels easier. There’s a cathartic joy in making something together."'Emotional and physical safety is a key reason women prefer these spaces'Women often feel more comfortable opening up in a women-only space, feels Rashi. She says, "Our discussions go beyond books into everyday challenges. Many appreciate the supportive, non-judgmental environment. Emotional and physical safety is a key reason women prefer these spaces."Teenagers, Gen Z, millennials, and golden agers – women-only spaces bridge generations and capture the spirit of female friendship. Tavleen explains, "We often feel like we’re not enough, and many of us struggle to connect with other women – this feeling cuts across ages. So, the idea was to create space for those woman-to-woman bonds, that kind of genuine friendship and community we rarely find anymore."