Restoring the Ideals of Buddha and Gandhi on Gender Equality

Gender Equality is a very important topic in present era. It means no discrimination should follow on the ground of sex and equal opportunity must be given to female as to male or some other gender too. In spite of the developments in science and technology and a consequent rise in the standard of living, gender discrimination still exists in the society. The sole aim of this research paper is to find out the causes of gender discrimination and trying to solve the problem by restoring the views of Buddha and Gandhi on this issue. The causes of social inequality are patriarchal society, economic dependence, illiteracy, etc. In order to fight discrimination the ideals of Buddha and Gandhi should be restored and adopted. Buddhism is a religion of kindness, humanity and equality. According to the teachings of the Buddha, there exists no practical difference between the sexes. Buddha was a great social reformer, a believer in the equality of all human beings and a democrat. In the Buddhist text women are always named before men. Similarly, Gandhi was also a supporter of gender equality. He was neither feminist nor anti-feminist but gave a new perspective regarding gender equality. He brought about a revolutionary change in the status of women during his time. He opposed the harmful practices like female infanticide, purdah, female illiteracy, child marriage, dowry system, sati, polygamy and subjugation of wives and supported equality of sexes, women education, economic independence, birth control, window remarriage and participation of women in constructive programmes. Hence, the conclusion is that by restoring the views of Buddha and Gandhi and adopting them in our lives we can change the mindset of people regarding sub-ordinate status given to women and bring equality in the society becomes a better place to live in.