From a raised eyebrow to a perfectly timed “save me” glance, women across the UK are using a secret ‘Sisterhood Code’ to communicate without saying a word.
New research from Maltesers reveals how these unspoken signals help women navigate everyday situations – from awkward conversations to quietly backing each other up – often without needing to explain.
To help decode these everyday moments, a Sisterhood Code-savvy duo – the comedian Judi Love and presenter Angela Scanlon – have been explaining and capturing it in action in a short video; putting names to the looks, gestures and behaviours women instantly recognise.
The study of 2,000 womenii found the behaviour is deeply embedded in culture, with half (50%) saying they’ve shared a ‘knowing moment’ with a complete stranger – and one in five reporting they’ve formed this silent connection within minutes of meeting someone new. These acts of quiet solidarity happen on average three times a week, often without a single word being spoken. These everyday acts of support reflect the importance of connection and community, echoing Maltesers’ long standing partnership with Comic Relief, which supports organisations working with women and families across the UK.
THE MAGIC IN THE EVERYDAY
The code isn’t just for emergencies; it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. On average, women use this shared language three times a week through ‘everyday hero’ gestures that often go unnoticed:
The quick “Are you okay?” check-in: a wordless welfare gesture that 48% of women use to silently ask if a friend needs support.
The clothing rescue: tucking in a label (42%) or warning of a wardrobe malfunction (41%) without a word being spoken.
The bathroom bond: telling someone if there’s no loo roll in the cubicle (41%) or flagging a makeup smudge (40%), proof that sisterhood extends even to life’s smallest frustrations.
It’s not just about convenience; it’s about emotional support and solidarity. The research shows that these connections are a major mood-booster: 80% of women agree that a moment of shared humour or a small gesture from another woman can instantly turn a bad day into a better one.
JUDI LOVE AND ANGELA SCANLON DECODE THE SISTERHOOD CODE
Together, Judi and Angela have brought the Sisterhood Code to life in a short film, capturing the quick, unspoken moments women instantly recognise – from ‘the look’ to stepping in without being asked.
“It’s funny because it’s so true,” says Angela Scanlon. “You don’t realise you’re doing it until you see it. That moment when you catch another woman’s eye and instantly know exactly what she’s thinking, or when someone steps in without you having to ask… it’s just instinct. There’s something really comforting in knowing someone else in the room gets it, without you having to explain a thing.”
Judi Love adds: “Every woman knows that look — the one that says ‘get me out of here now’ without saying a word! We’ve all been there. I love that this shines a light on those moments, because it’s how we show up for each other every day — whether it’s your best friend or someone you’ve just met in the bathroom queue. No questions, no hesitation — just pure understanding.”
SMALL GESTURES, BIG IMPACT
Building on its ‘Look on the Light Side’ platform, Maltesers is celebrating the Sisterhood Code as part of its 90-year legacy of bringing lightness to everyday life – shining a spotlight on the small, unspoken moments that help women support one another through life’s ups and downs.
Emma Thornton, UKI Marketing Director at Mars Snacking, said: “These moments are a language all of their own — a look, a gesture, stepping in without being asked. It’s how women support each other every day, often without a single word. For 90 years, Maltesers has celebrated these small but powerful moments — because when someone just gets it, it brings connection, humour and a chance to look on the light side together.”
Maltesers is also celebrating its long-standing partnership with Comic Relief. Over 15 years, the partnership has raised more than £8 million, to support organisations working with women and girls to help them thrive in today’s world.
Mars Wrigley is donating £500,000 in 2026 to Comic Relief, operating under the name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730).
To find out more about the Sisterhood Code and see it in action, visit https://www.maltesers.co.uk/sisterhood-code .