By Gagandeep Kaur
During the last fifty years, the world has been conceding equal rights to women. Yet, in Sikhism women were given equality by the Gurus over five hundred years ago. However, in the past, this theory of equality has not been practiced and fully accepted by our culture. I ask you, Sadh Sangat, how can there be “Panth Ki Jeet” with this important ingredient missing?
It was Guru Nanak our first Guru, who uttered the all-encompassing Bani, “Bhand Jamiai Bhand Nimiai (Rag Asa, 19). From the women, men are conceived and born and to her they are bound by marriage. Similarly from that same woman is a woman conceived and born, so where is the difference in the origin of both genders?
This classical interpretation has changed dimensions for the Sikh woman. Not only is she the child bearer, but the mother, wife, homemaker and career woman. Yet, she has been left to stagnate in this role and has not accepted her own right to equality, nor has she been encouraged to do so by our society.
Yes, there are a few exceptional women in the Sikh Panth who have come to terms with their equality. They realize that their roles in society must alter significantly for the benefit of our people. These few special women voice their opinions and express their ideas on the various political and social issues freely. In fact, these women are not castigated for their supposed “outspokenness” but often commended. Unfortunately, the voices of these daring women are not vociferous enough to carry through the male power struggle that continuously exists in our Gurdwaras and various organizations. This male hunger for power has and will continue to downgrade the importance of many of our political and social issues.
It is a shame that as Sikhs we have not learned much from our glorious history. How can we have forgotten our Mai Bhago, who represented the devotion, strength, courage and great determination of the Sikh woman? This one woman was able to ignite great velour amongst the forty Sikhs who had left Guru Gobind Singh Ji after signing the “Bedawa”. As you probably know, Mai Bhago also fought with her companions against the Mughal soldiers. During this battle Mai Bhago was fatally injured along with her followers. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, during her last breaths told Mai Bhago that her great acts would be followed, by Sikh womanhood for all times to come. If this be the case, ladies have we not let down our Guru and sister/mentor Mai Bhago?
The times are changing quite rapidly. In various parts of the United States and Canada, young women can be seen actively participating in youth organizations. A majority of these young women are actually leading several of these groups. Sadh Sangat, these young ladies are the future leaders of the Sikh panth,
I plead-no, I beseech, that the Sikh women realize the great privilege Akal Purakh has given to us mortals. Get involved in the various organizations, join your local Sikh Women’s League, or if you do not have one, start one in your areas. Most important of all, remember it is your duty to express your opinions. When we as women can achieve this social freedom, then and only then can there be Panth Ki Jeet.
This article has been excerpted from a forth coming issue of “Sikh Generations,” a Sikh youth magazine being brought out by young Sikhs in New York; the magazine is to be published four times a year. For additional information contact: “Sikh Generations” 104-09 West side Ave, Corona, NY 11368,
Article extracted from this publication >> February 23, 1990
