I don't know if it happens in all cultures (bitchy women) but I think all societies where there's patriarchal rule (obvious or hidden), i.e. men in charge (of everything!) then it forces girls (who become women) to compete against each other.

So instead of having each other's back (looking out for each other and protecting one another) we stab each other in the back.

For women to be kind to one another they have to feel safe, they have to feel like someone else is going to have their back and they have to believe they're good enough as they are so there's no need to compete. The more I like/love me the more I attract women as friends who immediately have my back and with whom I feel safe, even when I'm being really vulnerable.

So I think it's a tough battle. Girls and women don't set out to be mean to each other, it's a product of a much larger problem. And, as you said, I think it probably happens in many if not most countries around the world.

I dream of a world where women feel safer and, as a result, more of us are naturally kinder to one another.

...

And, yes, I'm well ;) Apparently, I had a little bit to say on this topic. !LOL