By: Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO – BLLA & TIEWN
I contemplated this discussion around women’s gatherings as I started to plan the next TIEWN (Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network) conference. As I look back on my experiences, some of the wealthiest memories surround my time with women’s groups, including TIEWN, which I founded in 2008 due to another global organization closing its doors. It may be my calling, or it is simply my passion. From the early days of Girl Scout pancake breakfasts to an accelerated year-long certificate program at USC taught by female professors to Women in Travel of Los Angeles, it was a subject I felt compelled to support. On further personal reflection, I discovered that support for women goes way back to the early 1900s when the family on my father’s side continually raised recognition and funds for women’s organizations that existed at that time.
Women naturally seek out and build communities in every corner of the world. Whether membership organizations like TIEWN (13,300), Cool Retired Women (200K+), Women in Hospitality Alliance (1,000), the Girl Scouts (3.2M), or even legacy institutions like the YWCA (25M), these sisterhoods thrive across cultures and generations. But why is this an instinctive activity for women? And why don’t we see the same energy surrounding men’s clubs today?
The Natural Drive for Female Connection
Women have gathered for centuries in sewing circles, market meetups, political movements, and modern professional networks. This inclination is not simply social—it’s deeply biological, cultural, and psychological. Studies show that more than men, women have an instinct for tend-and-befriend behavior, a term coined by psychologist Shelley Taylor. This suggests that women, especially in times of stress or uncertainty, turn to communal relationships to navigate life’s challenges.
From ancient matriarchal tribes to modern-day women’s business networks, this trend continues because of a shared desire for mutual support, empowerment, and growth. Whether bonding over career goals, family life, personal well-being, or activism, women find safety, strength, and success in these circles.
Why Do Women Seek These Communities Today?
In an increasingly digital and disconnected world, women are making deliberate efforts to forge meaningful relationships.
Professional and Entrepreneurial Growth**—**Women’s business organizations such as TIEWN provide a robust network for sharing resources, mentorship, and opportunities in male-dominated industries.
Support in Life Transitions**—**Groups like Cool Retired Women offer camaraderie and shared wisdom to women stepping into new phases of life.
Health and Wellness – YSC helps young women navigate breast cancer with collective strength, offering a community of understanding and advocacy.
Activism and Social Change – From The Hospitality Alliance to the YWCA, these collectives amplify women’s voices in political and social movements.
Lifelong Friendships – Whether through the Girl Scouts or intimate friend groups, women prioritize deep, meaningful friendships that provide resilience and joy.
What About Men? Are Their Clubs Disappearing?
Historically, men had robust networks through gentlemen’s clubs, fraternal orders, business associations, and recreational groups. Organizations like the Freemasons, Elks Club, and Rotary Club once thrived as male-dominated spaces for connection, influence, and mentorship. However, in recent decades, these groups have seen declining membership,
Why?
Changing Gender Roles – As gender norms evolve, traditional “boys’ clubs” have become less appealing or, in some cases, less socially acceptable.
Work-Centric Lives – Men may be pressured to prioritize career ambitions over leisure-based socialization.
Digital and Individualistic Trends—For many, Social media, gaming communities, and online forums have replaced in-person gatherings.
Fear of Being Labeled Exclusive or Outdated – Unlike women’s groups, which celebrate inclusivity, some men’s networks have been criticized for perpetuating exclusivity and discouraging new engagement.
However, this doesn’t mean men don’t crave community. Instead, their socialization often manifests differently—through sports teams, online communities, professional mentorships, or minor, informal meetups. Our male allies in the industry also support TIEWN and many other women’s groups throughout the year.
The Rise of Women’s Solidarity in a Changing World
Women’s communities survive and thrive by providing purpose, identity, and empowerment. Whether advancing careers, creating safe spaces, or championing social causes, women are showing up for each other in ways that continue to evolve.
Top Global Women’s Groups Making an Impact Today
Across the globe, women’s organizations continue to push boundaries, drive change, and empower communities. From economic advancement to political activism and leadership development, these groups play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable future. Here are some of the most influential women’s groups operating today:
Women’s World Banking – Focuses on financial inclusion for women by providing access to credit, savings, and microfinance solutions worldwide.
Vital Voices Global Partnership – Empowers emerging female leaders in business, politics, and human rights through mentorship and advocacy.
UN Women – A United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors.
Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network (TIEWN) is a hub for female entrepreneurs and leaders, providing networking, mentorship, and business growth opportunities.
Lean In – Founded by Sheryl Sandberg, this movement encourages women to pursue their ambitions and supports professional development.
Women Deliver – A leading advocate for gender equality and women’s health, focusing on maternal and reproductive rights.
The Global Fund for Women – Provides funding and support to grassroots organizations fighting for women’s rights worldwide.
The Female Quotient – Works to advance gender equality in the workplace by fostering inclusivity and leadership training.
SheEO – A global network of female entrepreneurs who pool resources to fund and support women-led businesses.
The Malala Fund – Advocates for girls’ education and empowerment, co-founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
Women in Travel CIC – Focuses on empowering women in the travel industry through mentorship, training, and employment opportunities.
Dress for Success – Helps women achieve economic independence by providing professional attire and career development support.
Catalyst – Works with businesses to build inclusive workplaces that advance women into leadership roles.
International Women’s Forum (IWF) – A global network of female leaders committed to mentoring and advancing women in various industries.
Girls Who Code – Encourages young women to pursue careers in technology by offering coding education and mentorship.
Women’s March Global – Mobilizes women and allies worldwide to advocate for social justice, equality, and policy change.
Soroptimist International – A global volunteer organization improving the lives of women and girls through education and economic empowerment.
The 30% Club – Aims to increase gender diversity in corporate boardrooms by advocating for more women in leadership positions.
Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) – Advocates for women’s participation in peace and security processes worldwide.
Women Political Leaders (WPL) – A global network that supports and promotes women’s leadership in politics and governance.
Top 10 Women’s Groups in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
Women in Hospitality and Travel-Tech (WHTT) – Promote gender diversity in travel technology and hospitality.
Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network (TIEWN) – A specialized network empowering women in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries for over 17 years.
Women Leading Travel & Hospitality – A leadership organization offering networking, mentorship, and career growth opportunities for women in travel and hospitality.
WINiT by GBTA – A program under the Global Business Travel Association dedicated to advancing women in travel-related careers.
International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum (IWTTF) – A global initiative that fosters gender diversity in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) – Supports the career development of women in the travel and tourism industry.
SheTrades in Tourism – A global initiative by the International Trade Centre promoting women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
Women’s Travel Club – A global community offering travel experiences designed specifically for female travelers.
Female Hospitality Network (FHN) – Provides professional support and resources for women in the hospitality sector.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) – An organization supporting women in aviation, aerospace, and related travel industries.
These organizations collectively drive forward gender equality, economic opportunities, leadership advancement, and societal transformation. Supporting and engaging with these groups can help accelerate progress toward a more inclusive and just world for women everywhere.
Final Thought
As we look to the future, the power of female-driven networks will only grow stronger. Whether through structured organizations like TIEWN or informal gatherings, these communities serve as vital hubs of support, leadership, and innovation.
In a world where connection is currency, women continue to invest in each other—and that trend is here to stay.
What do you think? Have you experienced the power of women-led communities? Who would you add to the list above? Let’s continue the conversation!
Links to recent interviews:
Girl Power TalkIt’s Personal StoriesAn Active VisionBehind the StaysPlaces of HealingEthical Leadership
About TIEWN – by BLLA
Founded in 2008 by Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA (The Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association), the Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network (TIEWN) was created to facilitate global connections between female hospitality, travel, and tourism executives. TIEWN’s more than 13,000 global members have chosen their life’s work in hotel & lodging, airlines, cruise lines, car rental, travel agencies, corporate travel management, tour operation, rail, and travel technology. With a goal of collaboration and mutual support, TIEWN is in sync with other travel and hospitality organizations, working to improve the industry through the dynamic participation of professional women. TIEWN.com
About BLLA
The official organization for the world’s independent boutique lifestyle hotels and leaders who are entrepreneurs themselves, promoting capital, resources, connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA’s boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today’s traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com. BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via its Boutique Money Group division.
The corporate manifesto is: Experience the intention behind the brand.
Frances KiradjianFounder & CEO+1 818 264 4810BLLA
