One of the reoccurring themes in The Secret Life of Bees is a strong sense of a feminine community. Having grown up most of her life without a mother, the things that Lilly lacked in her life could only truly be provided by female characters in her life.
We see Lilly first find comfort in Rosaleen, something she has done most of her life and continues to do on this journey, and Lilly and Rosaleen began this journey together. Then, when she happens upon the big pink house, a whole community of female characters await her to fill the gaps that have been left in her life. This starts with the three sisters living in the house, and ultimately ends with Mother Mary.
However, I really respect that the author was able to feature such a strong feminine voice without completely leaving out the male character. While Lilly has a rough go at it with her father, eventually a male character is introduced into the story (Zach,) and we see her begin to trust again.
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