Celebrating Famous Female Friendships in Honor of National Girlfriends Day

In celebration of National Girlfriends Day, we honor the profound and inspiring friendships shared by women throughout history. Observed each year on August 1st, this day is dedicated to appreciating the bonds of sisterhood, support, and intellectual exploration that enrich our lives. From Jane Austen and Anne Sharp to Audre Lorde and Adrienne Rich, female friendships have shaped careers, movements, and personal growth. Join us as we celebrate the stories of ten extraordinary female friendships that remind us of the power and beauty that true camaraderie embodies.

How National Girlfriends Day Got Its Start

National Girlfriends Day—celebrated annually on August 1st—originated as a way to honor and appreciate the bonds of friendship between women. The exact origins of the day are somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have started in the early 2000s.

It gained popularity through social media and word of mouth. National Girlfriend Day was likely conceived as a counterpart to other relationship-oriented holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, but with a focus on the platonic, supportive, and enriching friendships that women share instead of on one’s romantic partner. Of course, some also take this holiday as an opportunity to honor their romantic partners—not just their “gal pals.”

Ways to Celebrate Your Female Friend on National Girlfriends Day

National Girlfriends Day encourages women to spend quality time together, share experiences, and show appreciation for one another. Consider getting together for your girlfriend’s favorite meal, enjoying a spa day, exchanging thoughtful gifts, playing board games, or simply reminiscing about shared memories.

The celebration highlights the importance of female friendships in providing emotional support, companionship, and joy. While romantic relationships are meaningful, too, these relationships are unique and irreplaceable!

How will you celebrate National Girlfriend Day? Let us know in the comments below. At DesignDash, we’re celebrating the holiday by reflecting on iconic friendships between women throughout history. From suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to the influential Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey, let’s take a closer look at ten incredible female friendships.

10 Famous Female Friends in Honor of National Girl Friends Day

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were important figures in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Their partnership began in the early 1850s and was marked by a shared vision for women’s rights. Together, they co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869, which became a central force in the fight for women’s voting rights.

Known for her formidable oratory skills and relentless campaigning, Anthony traveled extensively to give speeches and organize local suffrage groups. A brilliant writer and strategist, Stanton penned many of the movement’s key documents and speeches—including the influential “Declaration of Sentiments” at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.

Their combined efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote, though both women had passed away by then. The friends’ collaboration and dedication left an indelible mark on American history, as it advocated not just for suffrage but for broader issues of gender equality.

Mary Wollstonecraft and Fanny Blood

An early advocate for women’s rights and the author of “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” Mary Wollstonecraft found a profound source of inspiration and support in her friendship with illustrator Fanny Blood. Their relationship began in the 1780s, and Blood’s intellectual companionship and resilience deeply influenced Wollstonecraft’s views on education and women’s independence. Tragically, Blood’s early death in 1785 had a significant emotional impact on Wollstonecraft—spurring her to channel her grief into her writing and activism.

Wollstonecraft’s literary achievements—including her groundbreaking works on gender equality and education—were undoubtedly shaped by the strength and ideals she admired in Blood. Though less known than her friend, Blood played a major role in Wollstonecraft’s development as a thinker and writer. She embodied the spirit of intellectual and emotional support that characterized their friendship.

Jane Austen and Anne Sharp

One of the most beloved authors in English literature, Jane Austen shared a meaningful friendship with Anne Sharp, who was a governess and playwright. Their friendship began when Sharp became the governess for Austen’s niece—Fanny Knight—and continued through letters and visits.

Austen valued Sharp’s intellectual companionship—often discussing her literary work with her. Sharp was one of the first to read Austen’s manuscripts—providing feedback and encouragement in response.

This close bond provided Austen with an important source of support and critique outside her immediate family. Of course, Austen’s achievements include her enduring novels—like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility—which have become classics. Sharp’s influence and support were instrumental in Austen’s development as a writer.

Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West

An icon of modernist literature (Virginia Woolf) and a poet and novelist (Vita Sackville-West) shared a deep friendship and romantic relationship that profoundly influenced their creative lives. Sackville-West inspired Woolf’s novel Orlando—a playful and imaginative biography that spans centuries and genders. This book reflected Sackville-West’s own androgynous qualities and aristocratic background.

A founding member of the Bloomsbury Group, Woolf pushed literary boundaries with her stream-of-consciousness style in works like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse. An accomplished writer in her own right, Sackville-West authored notable works like The Edwardians and All Passion Spent. Their relationship not only provided personal joy and intellectual stimulation but also left a lasting impact on their literary legacies.

Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti

Frida Kahlo—the iconic Mexican painter known for her vivid self-portraits and exploration of identity, pain, and passion—shared a close friendship with Italian photographer and political activist Tina Modotti. Their bond was forged in the vibrant artistic and political circles of Mexico City in the 1920s and 1930s.

Modotti’s photography captured the social and political realities of the time, while Kahlo’s art delved deeply into personal and cultural themes. Their mutual support and shared political activism enriched their respective artistic expressions. Modotti’s influence can be seen in Kahlo’s works that blend personal pain with broader social issues, while Kahlo’s fearless exploration of identity likely inspired Modotti’s own artistic journey.

Audre Lorde and Adrienne Rich

Audre Lorde—the influential poet, essayist, and activist known for her works on race, gender, and sexuality—shared a powerful and intellectually rich friendship with Adrienne Rich—a celebrated poet and feminist. Their friendship began in the 1970s and was marked by deep mutual respect and a shared commitment to social justice.

Lorde’s writings—including Sister Outsider and The Cancer Journals—explored the intersections of her identity as a Black lesbian woman and her experiences with cancer. Rich’s works—like Diving into the Wreck and Of Woman Born—examined themes of motherhood, feminism, and lesbian identity.

Their correspondence and collaborative efforts highlighted the importance of solidarity and understanding across different experiences of oppression. Together, they pushed the boundaries of feminist thought and activism, leaving a profound impact on literature and social movements.

Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok

Eleanor Roosevelt—the First Lady of the United States and a tireless advocate for human rights—shared a profound friendship with Lorena Hickok, who herself was a pioneering journalist. Their close relationship—which has been documented through extensive correspondence—provided Roosevelt with emotional support and intellectual companionship during her years in the White House.

One of the first female journalists to cover presidential campaigns, Hickock offered a unique perspective and encouraged Roosevelt’s activism. Roosevelt’s achievements include her work as a delegate to the United Nations and her role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hickok’s influence and support were key as Roosevelt navigated the political and social challenges of her time.

Marie Curie and Hertha Ayrton

The Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist celebrated for her pioneering work on radioactivity, Marie Curie shared a supportive friendship with engineer and fellow physicist Hertha Ayrton. Ayrton provided crucial support to Curie, especially after the death of Curie’s husband, Pierre. Both women were trailblazers in their fields—breaking gender barriers in science.

Curie’s discoveries in radioactivity paved the way for significant advancements in physics and medicine, which earned her two Nobel Prizes. Known for her work on electrical arcs and waves, Ayrton was also an advocate for women’s rights. Their friendship exemplified the mutual support and encouragement that helped both women achieve extraordinary scientific milestones.

Dorothy Parker and Edna Ferber

A witty writer and critic known for her sharp humor and poignant observations, Dorothy Parker shared a close friendship with Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber. Both were members of the Algonquin Round Table, which was a group of New York City writers, critics, and actors known for their clever banter.

Parker’s works—including her poems, short stories, and reviews—captured the complexities of urban life and human relationships. Ferber’s novels—like So Big and Giant—explored themes of American identity and social issues. Their friendship was rooted in mutual respect and intellectual exchange. It profoundly influenced their literary work and provided a source of support in their professional lives.

Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey

Celebrated poet and author Maya Angelou—who is known for autobiographical works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings—shared a well-documented close friendship with media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey has often cited Angelou as a mentor and significant influence in her life.

Angelou’s powerful narratives of personal and collective struggle and resilience resonated deeply with Winfrey, who brought these stories to a broader audience through her television platform. Their relationship exemplified a bond of mutual admiration and support, with Angelou’s wisdom and guidance playing a crucial role in Winfrey’s development as a public figure and advocate for social change.

Final Thoughts: Finding Ways to Honor the Incredible Female Friends in Our Lives

This National Girlfriends Day, celebrate your meaningful female friendships by spending quality time together and showing your appreciation. Plan a fun outing, like brunch, a spa day, or a hike, to create new memories and strengthen your bond.

Write heartfelt letters, share favorite memories, or exchange small, thoughtful gifts to highlight how much your friendship means. Support each other’s personal and professional goals by offering encouragement and solidarity.

This day is all about recognizing and cherishing the unique and irreplaceable connections that your female friendships bring into your life. Just remember to keep celebrating those amazing women each and every day—not just on National Girlfriends Day.