In essence, they are gatherings of menstruating women but a more modern interpretation of the Red Tent's ethos is that it welcomes all women sisters, mothers, menstruating girls, menopausal women, young mums, grandmothers, and friends to attend a monthly gathering where they are welcomed as they are and as all of who they are. They are also about building community, finding how easy it is to be in the company of others and be nourished by the time together, recharging for the month ahead. They are about creating some room in the life of women, to share stories, support each other, and see what transpires without a specific goal or outcome in mind.

Red Tents are a global movement of women coming together and finding time to just be where they are, meet other women in their community and enjoy the opportunity to share in a deeper way than they might usually do. As an advocate for women, I trust in the relationships and partnerships that women can develop with each other which can nurture them throughout their lives and the lives of others connected with them. Although I am not a member of a Red Tent, my experiences with women have given me a powerful love and respect for them, as well as a relatively rare insight into the benefits that a woman can gain from having other women present at pivotal moments in their lives. As a former midwife, I have had the exceptional privilege of being 'with woman' at times in the lives of women when they are at their most magnificent, terrified, peaceful, empowered, fulfilled, euphoric and vulnerable.

Story of dinah the red tent