What is Sikhi's perspective on women
Guidance from Gurbani
Sikhi holds women in high esteem, emphasizing their complete equality with men in all aspects of life, including spiritual, social, and religious spheres. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches that women are the givers of birth to kings, saints, and all humanity, and therefore should not be spoken ill of or considered inferior. Both men and women are seen as having the same divine light within them and are equally capable of achieving spiritual liberation through devotion and righteous living. The Sikh Rehat Maryada, the Sikh Code of Conduct, further reinforces this equality by stating that men and women are equal in congregational worship, participation in ceremonies, and holding positions of leadership.
Sources & Citations
“From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be none. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful.”
“So why call her bad, from whom kings are born?”
“The Guru Granth Sahib is the Holy Scripture which has been installed as the Guru. All Sikhs, men and women, are equal before it.”
“All Sikhs, men and women, are entitled to participate in the congregational singing of hymns (Kirtan).”
“Only a Sikh man or woman who has taken Amrit (Baptism) and keeps the Rehat (Code of Conduct) may lead the congregation in Ardas (supplication).”
Read in Another Language
Translations preserve the spiritual meaning of the Guru's teachings.
Related Guidance
This guidance is drawn exclusively from the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Rehat Maryada. If you believe a citation is inaccurate, please let us know.