Women’s Empowerment in Tibetan Buddhism: Leadership, Education and Vision in Exile

Conference entitled “Women’s Empowerment in Tibetan Buddhism: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Aspirations and Efforts,” held in Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India, has become a vibrant hub for initiatives aimed at the empowerment of Tibetan Buddhist women. From May 20–21, 2026, the auditorium of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives hosted the two-day conference, “Women’s Empowerment in Tibetan Buddhism: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Aspirations and Efforts.” The conference brought together 86 nuns from 13 nunneries across India and Nepal, representing all schools and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the Yungdrung Bon tradition.

The event was jointly organized by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Dalai Lama Trust, with support from the Tibetan Nuns Project (TNP) and the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA). It marked part of the celebrations for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and the Year of Compassion, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to fostering leadership, scholarship, and social engagement among Tibetan women.

The conference was inaugurated by Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Jedrung Rinpoche, and attended by dignitaries including former Kalon Rinchen Khando, Youdon Aukatsang (Director, Tibetan Nuns Project), Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Geshe Lhakdor (Director, LTWA), and Sikyong Penpa Tsering, among others. Discussions focused on critical themes, such as the history and institutionalization of the Geshema degree, the leadership roles of nuns in society and monasteries, curriculum development in nunneries, and strategies for international recognition and collaboration.

The conferment of the Geshema degree has been one of the most significant milestones in Tibetan women’s empowerment. First reintroduced by His Holiness in 2016 at Drepung Monastery, the degree represents the highest scholastic achievement for nuns in Tibetan Buddhism, roughly equivalent to a master’s degree for monks. Today, over 120 Geshemas have been recognized, reflecting both a revival of monastic scholarship for women and a transformative shift in traditional gender hierarchies. This recognition allows nuns not only to teach within monasteries but also to contribute meaningfully to broader Tibetan society.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has repeatedly highlighted that women often demonstrate greater compassion and are capable of leading society toward a more peaceful and equitable era. He has actively promoted reforms in ordination, education, and institutional recognition to empower nuns, ensuring that Tibetan Buddhist women are not confined to passive roles but are positioned as active agents of spiritual and social transformation. In 1987, he presided over the first International Conference of Nuns in Bodhgaya, setting the stage for the restoration of female monastic ordination, and later actively guided the revival of the Geshema title.

The Tibetan Nuns Project (TNP), a US-registered charity operating in India, has further strengthened this empowerment ecosystem. One recent initiative is the Research Training Center at Shugsep Nunnery, inaugurated in March 2026. This center equips senior nuns with research skills and methodologies, enabling them to serve as role models and educators for younger generations. With support from donors, the center is fully equipped with modern facilities including computers, projectors, and bookshelves and provides training under certified professors. This program bridges traditional Buddhist studies with contemporary research practices, ensuring sustainability in nuns’ scholarship.

The Shugsep Nunnery itself has a rich history of perseverance. Originally established in Tibet, the nunnery was destroyed in 1959, and its residents were forced to flee. Today, the nunnery supports about 100 nuns in a nine-year academic program covering Buddhist philosophy, debate, Tibetan language, and English. In February 2026, 19 senior nuns were enthroned as khenmos, the highest scholarly title in the Nyingma tradition, illustrating the growing recognition of women as leaders in Tibetan monastic education.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, attending the closing ceremony of the conference, emphasized the critical role of His Holiness’s vision in preserving Tibetan Buddhism in exile. He highlighted that leadership positions are increasingly being filled by Himalayan communities, which not only ensures cultural continuity but also strengthens the survival of the Tibetan language.

In conclusion, Tibetan Buddhist women are emerging as influential figures in religious, social, and academic spheres. The combined efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration, and supporting organizations like the Tibetan Nuns Project and TWA have created a robust framework for empowerment. With over 120 Geshemas, 19 khenmos, and multiple research initiatives, Tibetan women in Buddhism are not just preserving tradition they are shaping the future, demonstrating how education, leadership, and spiritual guidance can transform communities while inspiring global respect for Tibetan women’s agency.