ABSTRACT
The contribution of women to social development is often overlooked in development studies. Recent research has attempted to correct this bias (Tomalin 2013; Haynes 2007; Lindberg Falk 2010a; 2010b; Rathgeber 1990). If you add the variable of religion to the equation, you will also find limited results. In order to participate in this growing area of research, the objective is to view religion as a societal force (Hjelm 2010), while asking whether it is a solution or a source of social problems. For the nearly 300,000 million Buddhist women accounted for globally, the demand for greater gender equality comes through seeking higher Buddhist ordination. Thus, religion can clearly be part of the solution. Sakyaditha International provides a platform that mobilizes Buddhist women to reduce gender inequality. Buddhist social activism and gender development are presented here as interdependent. The presentation seeks to contextualize and present observations of the 14th Sakyadhita conference held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on June 23-30, 2015. This seminar will pinpoint the current struggle for the recognition of Thailand’s Bhikkhuni movement in the broader context of Buddhist women’s fight to reduce gender injustice and promote spiritual awakening.
Moderator: Dr.Lylla Winzer
July 8, 2015 Time: 12:30 – 13:30 hrs. Room Srabua 109
