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Sikh Research Institute
Sikh Research Institute Canada
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This report aims to understand and explore Sikh conceptions of women and gender, responses to gender- based inequality and oppression, and framings of masculinity. The report explores the topics of women and gender from a Gurmat (or Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle).
Download ResourceWomen’s issues and the issues of gender as it applies to all gender identities are being grappled with globally. These issues have existed throughout history, and as time goes on, they change shape. Those who identify as women are using their voices to bring awareness to issues that matter to them, but every community has a long way to go. How did the Sikh Gurus address women’s issues?How did they frame or reframe gender? Regarding women’s and gender issues within the Panth (Sikh collective) today, why is there a disparity between precept and practice, and how do we close that gap?
Women’s issues and the issues of gender as it applies to all gender identities are being grappled with globally. These issues have existed throughout history, and as time goes on, they change shape. Those who identify as women are using their voices to bring awareness to issues that matter to them, but every community has a long way to go. How did the Sikh Gurus address women’s issues?How did they frame or reframe gender? Regarding women’s and gender issues within the Panth (Sikh collective) today, why is there a disparity between precept and practice, and how do we close that gap?
The Bani section delves into when and how women are generally invoked in primary sources regarding cultural norms that subjugate them, when and how specific women are invoked, and what vocabulary is used to refer to them. It also explores how the feminine voice is used in Bani, what Bani says about the masculine, and what Bani says about gender.
The Tavarikh section explores what Sikh history can tell us about how women were perceived in the larger culture versus within the Panth, how the Gurus addressed the treatment of women in the larger culture, and which women took on public leadership roles in the Guru and post-Guru periods.
The Rahit section explores what Sikh codes of conduct say about women and gender and how these codes translate into action. It also offers an overview of current global lived realities by focusing on India and the top five diasporic Sikh communities worldwide.
This educational series provides students with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.
This educational series provides learners with historical insights that strengthen their connection to Sikhi.