Does Buddhism really promote gender equality?

Abstract

When we look specifically at Buddhist doctrine, the question of whether it has achieved gender equality has been challenged over its history and some would say that the expression, practice, and institutionalisation of the doctrines are highly variable according to time and place with regards to how women are perceived and treated. In the following paper, the evidence and arguments for, and against, gender equality in Buddhism are explored through an examination of core Buddhist doctrines, the representations of women in Buddhist literature, the status of women within Buddhist institutions, and quantitative research as evidence of growing participation and empowerment of women within Buddhist practice as well as its strong societal influence.