The Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, a leading world body committed to transforming the lives of women in Buddhist societies, has extended its submission deadline for panel presentation proposals for the 19th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women. The biennial forum will be held in Kuching, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, from 15–23 June, 2025, under the theme “Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition.”
“Proposals are being accepted for panel presentations on topics of interest to women in Buddhism,” Sakyadhita International said in an announcement shared with BDG. “Presentation proposals (250–500 words) must be received by 10 December 2024.”
Panel presentation proposals should be submitted to [email protected] by 10 December
Sakyadhita International traces its beginnings to 1987 with a conference for Buddhist nuns held in Bodh Gaya, India, that was aimed at establishing support for the full ordination of female monastics in the Theravada tradition. In the more than 35 years since, Sakyadhita has evolved into an organization that is made up of, and aims to represent and empower, both monastic and lay women, with branches and chapters around the world.
The Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women is now the world’s leading body committed to transforming the lives of women in Buddhist societies, aspiring to empower and unite Buddhist women, promote their welfare, and facilitate their work for the benefit of the Dharma and all sentient beings. “Sakyadhita” means Daughter of Shakya (the clan name of the historical Buddha). Working at the grassroots level, Sakyadhita provides an international network among Buddhist women, promoting research and publications and striving to create equal opportunities for women in all Buddhist traditions.
The organization noted that responses to presentation proposals from Sakyadhita’s Program Committee would be sent out by 20 December.
“Completed papers (2,500 words) must be submitted by 20 January for editing and translation into various languages,” Sakyadhita International added. “Proposals should include the following information: name, institutional affiliation, mailing address, email address, and phone number.”
Suggested panel presentation topics include: “The Changing Roles of Buddhist Women: Empowerment, Feminism & Leadership;” “Buddhism and Education: Innovation & Social Harmony;” “Youth Culture: Encouraging Youth & Adapting the Dharma;” “Buddhism Through the Life Course: Mental Health & Coping with Changes,” “Buddhist Ethics & Economics: Capitalism & Compassion;” “Dharma Teachers Over the Generations: Authority & Transmission;” and “The Nature of Reality: Choosing/Constructing Reality.”
“Sakyadhita encourages diversity and creativity,” the organization emphasized. “We welcome proposals from presenters of any gender, nationality, or background. All proposals and papers must be the original, unpublished work of the presenters. All presenters must register for the conference and are responsible for their own conference expenses. Any requests for special dates for presentations must be included with the proposal.”
Referencing the choice of host for the 2025 conference, Sakyadhita International observed: “Sarawak is home to many diverse cultures and religious traditions and astonishing biodiversity. Varied landscapes and cuisines make a visit to Sarawak an artistic and culinary adventure.”
The 18th Sakyadhita International Conference was hosted in Seoul from 23–27 June 2023, jointly hosted by the Korean Bhikshuni Association and Sakyadhita Korea, and attended by some 3,000 Buddhist monastics, laypeople, guests, and dignitaries from South Korea and around the world.* The 2023 theme, “Living in a Precarious World: Impermanence, Resilience, Awakening,” referenced the impermanence in the world around us, as evidenced by the climate crisis, environmental destruction, political extremism, social instability, and the growing incidence and threat of violent conflict. Directly addressing this theme, the conference schedule includes a wide range of programs, including paper presentations, workshops, exhibitions, meditation sessions, and cultural performances.
* Living in a Precarious World: 18th Sakyadhita Conference Commences in Seoul (BDG) and Daughters of the Buddha: 18th Sakyadhita Conference in Seoul Celebrates the Sacred Feminine (BDG)
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Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women
Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women (Facebook)
Sakyadhita Malaysia 2025 (Facebook)
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