The 19th Sakyadhita International Conference commenced in Sarawak, Malaysia, today under the theme “Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition.” Running from 16–20 June in the state capital Kuching, and jointly hosted by Sakyadhita International, Sakyadhita Malaysia, and Kuching Buddhist Society, this international event is being attended by more than 400 Buddhist monastics, laypeople, guests, and dignitaries from 35 countries.
“The theme of the 19th Sakyadhita Conference . . . explores the evolving roles and challenges faced by Buddhist women as they adapt to personal, social, and spiritual transformations in a rapidly changing world,” Sakyadhita International explained. (Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women)
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.
This year’s theme, “Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition,” is a reference to the evolving roles of women in Buddhism, in society, and in Buddhist communities amid an era of social and global change. The conference schedule includes a wide range of programs, with paper presentations, workshops, exhibitions, meditation sessions, and cultural performances that directly address this year’s theme,
“With a focus on resilience, adaptability, and empowerment, the conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among participants,” Sakyadhita International noted. ”By addressing critical issues and opportunities, the event seeks to deepen understanding of how Buddhist women can lead positive change and contribute to greater harmony within their communities and beyond.” (Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women)
Speaking during the conference’s opening ceremony today, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr. Sim Kui Hian expressed pride in Sarawak as an example of social harmony and cultural diversity, and acknowledged the conference’s role as a platform for social and spiritual dialogue and empowerment.
“This theme applies not only to Buddhist women but to women across all faiths, as we face institutional, generational, technological, environmental, and geopolitical changes,” Dr. Sim noted. “Amid these global shifts, Buddhist women continue to embody compassion, resilience, and equality.” (Sarawak Tribune)
Dr. Sim also recognized the growing contemporary significance of the Buddhadharma: “As societies advance, we risk losing sight of timeless values,” he said. “The wisdom of Dharma is needed now more than ever to guide us with integrity through the changes of our time.” (Sarawak Tribune)
“Together, we can make a difference in creating a more peaceful and compassionate world,” Dr. Sim concluded. “May the light of Dharma continue to shine, and may this journey benefit not only those present but countless others throughout the world.” (Sarawak Tribune)
Established in 1971, Kuching Buddhist Society is one of Sarawak’s oldest Buddhist organizations, dedicated to promoting the teachings of the Buddha through Dharma talks, meditation gatherings, and community outreach. Kuching Buddhist Society aspires to foster mindfulness, compassion, and spiritual growth among its members and the wider community.
“This significant event seeks to unite those committed to advancing the roles of Buddhist women, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, the discussion of key issues, and the fostering of collaboration across cultures,” Sakyadhita International emphasized. “Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural programs, the conference will engage individuals passionate about Buddhist studies, gender equality, and the empowerment of women within the Buddhist tradition.” (19th Sakyadhita 2025: Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition)
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 Conference is now held biennially, and previously host cities include Bangkok, Colombo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Phom Penh, Seoul, Sydney, and Taipei.
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)
See more
19th Sakyadhita 2025: Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition
Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women
Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women (Facebook)
Kuching Buddhist Society
Over 400 gather for Buddhist Women’s Conference (Sarawak Tribune)
Related news reports from BDG
Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women Calls for Presentation Proposals Ahead of 19th International Conference
Living in a Precarious World: 18th Sakyadhita Conference Commences in Seoul
Related features from BDG
Daughters of the Buddha: 18th Sakyadhita Conference in Seoul Celebrates the Sacred Feminine
Sakyadhita Spain Symposium 2020: Roshi Joan Halifax
Sakyadhita Spain Symposium 2020: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
Interview with Montse Castellà Olivé, President of Sakyadhita Spain
For the Times They Are a-Changin’: Sakyadhita and the Radicalism We Need to Save the World
