From a subtle raised eyebrow to a perfectly timed “save me” glance, women across the UK are tapping into an unspoken language now being dubbed the Sisterhood Code. According to new research from Maltesers, these silent signals are helping women navigate everything from awkward social situations to offering support—without saying a word.
It’s a phenomenon that feels instantly recognisable, yet rarely discussed. Now, it’s finally being decoded—and celebrated.
What the Research Reveals
A nationwide study of 2,000 women highlights just how ingrained this behaviour is in everyday life:
- 50% have shared a “knowing moment” with a complete stranger
- 1 in 5 form these silent connections within minutes of meeting
- These gestures occur on average three times a week
Far from rare, the Sisterhood Code is a frequent and instinctive form of communication—one that reflects a deeper sense of connection and solidarity among women.
These everyday interactions also tie into Maltesers’ long-standing partnership with Comic Relief, which supports organisations working with women and families across the UK.
The Magic in Everyday Moments
The Sisterhood Code isn’t reserved for dramatic scenarios—it thrives in the mundane. These subtle, often overlooked gestures act as quiet acts of support:
The Silent Check-In
A quick glance that says “Are you okay?”—used by nearly half (48%) of women as a discreet welfare check.
The Wardrobe Save
From tucking in a label (42%) to flagging a wardrobe malfunction (41%), these moments prevent minor mishaps from becoming major embarrassments.
The Bathroom Bond
Whether it’s alerting someone to a makeup smudge (40%) or warning about a lack of loo roll (41%), solidarity extends even into the smallest shared spaces.
These interactions might seem small, but their impact is significant. In fact, 80% of women say a shared moment of humour or a simple gesture from another woman can instantly lift their mood.
Judi Love and Angela Scanlon Bring It to Life
To help decode the Sisterhood Code, comedian Judi Love and presenter Angela Scanlon have teamed up to showcase these unspoken moments in action through a short film.
Scanlon explains:
“That moment when you catch another woman’s eye and instantly know exactly what she’s thinking… it’s just instinct. There’s something really comforting in knowing someone else gets it, without explanation.”
Love adds:
“Every woman knows that look—the one that says ‘get me out of here now’! It’s how we show up for each other every day—no questions, no hesitation.”
Small Gestures, Big Cultural Impact
The campaign builds on Maltesers’ long-running “Look on the Light Side” platform, marking nearly 90 years of the brand championing humour and connection in everyday life.
Emma Thornton, UKI Marketing Director at Mars Snacking, highlights the importance of these moments:
“It’s a language all of its own—a look, a gesture, stepping in without being asked. These small but powerful interactions bring connection and humour into everyday life.”
Beyond raising awareness, the initiative also reinforces Maltesers’ social impact. Over the past 15 years, its partnership with Comic Relief has raised more than £8 million to support women and girls across the UK, with a further £500,000 donation pledged for 2026.
Watch the Sisterhood Code in Action
Curious to see these unspoken moments play out? You can explore the campaign and watch the video via the official Maltesers page: https://www.maltesers.co.uk/sisterhood-code
Why the Sisterhood Code Matters
In a world dominated by constant communication, the Sisterhood Code proves that sometimes the most powerful messages are the ones left unsaid. These fleeting glances and small gestures reveal a shared understanding—one rooted in empathy, humour, and mutual support.
It’s not just communication—it’s community.
