Rewriting Gender Norms: Sikh Gurus’ Vision of Equality

Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emerged as a progressive and egalitarian faith, challenging the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms of its time. The Sikh Gurus envisioned a society where equality transcended gender, caste, and creed, laying the foundation for a community that upheld the dignity and rights of all individuals.

This proclamation underscored the inherent equality between men and women, challenging the prevailing notions of female inferiority. Furthermore, Guru Nanak condemned practices that dehumanized women, such as Sati (the burning of widows) and female infanticide. By admitting women into the Sangat (congregation) without any restrictions, he asserted that his message was meant as much for women as for men.


The third Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji, took significant steps to institutionalize gender equality. He appointed women to oversee various religious and administrative duties, challenging the patriarchal hierarchy of his era. Notably, he appointed a Sikh woman, Mai Matho, as head of one of the Manji dioceses.
Guru Amar Das Ji also spoke against the custom of Sati and raised his voice against female infanticide, advocating for the rights and dignity of women.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, further reinforced the principles of gender equality by founding the Khalsa in 1699. He bestowed the surname 'Kaur' upon Sikh women, meaning 'princess,' to signify their sovereign status and to break the chains of caste and gender-based discrimination. This act was a profound statement against the objectification and subjugation of women, promoting their independence and self-respect.

The Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, is replete with hymns that honor women and affirm their equal status. It speaks of equality—human and gender—freedom and justice.
By emphasizing that God's light shines equally in men and women, the scripture challenges any notion of gender superiority.

Despite the progressive teachings of the Sikh Gurus, contemporary Sikh society grapples with patriarchal practices. Issues such as the underrepresentation of women in religious leadership roles and societal double standards persist. For instance, there are few Sikh women granthis (scripture readers) in the community, highlighting a gap between doctrinal teachings and practice.

Moreover, cultural practices like the dowry system and gender-based discrimination continue to affect Sikh women, indicating a deviation from the Gurus' vision of equality. The persistence of these practices calls for introspection and a recommitment to the egalitarian principles laid down by the Sikh Gurus.

To transcend patriarchy and realize the Sikh Gurus' vision of equality, the community must actively challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms. This involves:

The Sikh Gurus laid a robust foundation for a society free from patriarchal constraints, emphasizing the inherent equality of all individuals. Their teachings challenge us to reflect on our practices and strive towards a community that truly embodies these egalitarian principles. By revisiting and embracing the Gurus' vision, the Sikh community can work towards transcending patriarchy and realizing a society where equality is not just preached but practiced.