Is it just me, or does it seem like women’s empowerment has become the latest fad diet? You know the kind: full of empty promises, a lot of hype, but very little actual nourishment? I swear, I’ve seen more authentic support for a cat video than I have for women climbing the corporate ladder.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a good “girl power” slogan as much as the next gal. But why is it that whenever a woman achieves something remarkable—say, a promotion, a big idea, or a seat at the government table—the applause often comes with a side of judgment and a hefty dash of envy? It’s becoming a baffling mystery, sort of like how socks manage to disappear from the dryer. One moment, they’re there, and the next, poof! Gone!

It’s been said that no one hates a successful woman more than another woman. Trust me, I’m not implying that we should all gather around a metaphorical campfire, hand in hand, singing “Kumbaya.” But wouldn’t it be nice to think that, instead of throwing shade, we could throw parades for each other?

I can’t help but wonder if some of our esteemed progressive women’s groups are more interested in scoring points in their gender-oppression Olympics than in helping real women achieve real success. Picture it: you’ve put in the work, you’ve climbed the corporate hill, and there you stand in your power suit, ready to celebrate your accomplishments. And then, instead of a supportive high-five, you get the icy stare from the women’s group in the corner who’s still stuck debating whether “leaning in” is a good idea or just a well-disguised back injury.

And speaking of back injuries, ladies, it’s time to admit that sometimes we’re the ones giving each other emotional whiplash. “Oh, you got that promotion?” Some might say, “Weren’t you just telling me how you didn’t agree with our core beliefs?” Yes, because apparently, success comes with a stringent political checklist that we ought to adhere to as if it’s a bakery’s menu during a gluten-free, sugar-free bake sale.

In the world of government and workplaces, we’ve created a blaring noise that drowns out the sound of unity. It seems we no longer rally behind one another but instead put each other on trial because of differing ideologies. It’s as if we’re all competing for the title of “Most Wretched Woman” instead of “Most Empowered Woman.”

What if, instead of tearing each other down or engaging in a never-ending battle of “who’s more oppressed,” we celebrated success, whatever that looks like? Wouldn’t it be lovely to have everyone rallying behind that woman, who, despite her different views, still brought home the bacon, so to speak?

As we navigate through spaces filled with our own, let’s remember that the only glass ceiling worth breaking is the one of disunity. If we spent more time supporting each other’s dreams instead of dissecting them like a science project, imagine the possibilities! We could build something magnificent—a fortress of femininity where everyone has a chance to thrive.

So to all my fellow women out there, whether you’re sitting at the corporate table or just dreaming of your next big idea: let’s swap the judgment for a little more kindness. Let’s trade in our cynicism for celebration. Let’s make room for each other, not just as allies in numbers, but as cheerleaders for every triumph, big or small. Because if we can’t stand together, even in our differences, then what’s the point of all the banners and slogans?

Let’s remember, it’s not about “us versus them” but about “we can all be.” And perhaps one day, when we’re lifting each other up, we’ll be able to look back and say, “Now that’s a sisterhood worth having!”

And if all else fails, we can at least bond over the great sock mystery we all seem to share.

Now, where did I put that missing sock?