The experiences of Buddhist women across the world today are widely diverse, reflecting their geographical and social location, the type of Buddhism practiced, whether they are lay or ordained, as well as their individual personalities. However, the perception that there is also a shared experience for women who practice Buddhism that is partly defined by a sense of "unequal opportunity" has given rise to a number of organizations and networks particularly since the late 1980s that aim to link this eclectic group of female Buddhist practitioners and activists. Buddhist scholars, nuns and practitioners have been at the forefront of global Buddhist organizations, challenging gender disparities and striving for equality for women in all Buddhist traditions. In recent years, more of this Buddhist women's social movement activity has been conducted digitally through websites, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. Some organizations, such as Sakyadhita ("Daughters of the Buddha"), which was founded in 1987 before the Internet explosion, have an online presence to complement their offline activities. Others, such as the Alliance for Bhikkhunis and the Yogini Project, have been formed more recently and their web presence is fundamental, with core activities that are web-reliant, including online fundraising and the sharing of digital material. In addition to organizations that are specifically orientated towards women, Buddhist women globally make use of a wider range of web-based opportunities to network with other Buddhists as well as to learn about Buddhist traditions and practices.
History
Pagination
115-122
Location
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Start date
2015-06-23
End date
2015-06-30
Language
eng
Publication classification
E1 Full written paper - refereed
Copyright notice
2015, Sakyadhita
Editor/Contributor(s)
Tsomo KL
Title of proceedings
Compassion and Social Justice : Proceedings of the 14th Buddhist Women 2015 Conference
Event
Sakyadhita Association of Buddhist Women. Conference (14th : 2015 : Yogyakarta, Indonesia)