From the moment a person steps into a gurdwara, every corner echoes with a simple yet powerful message: spirituality knows no gender. The Sikh Rehat Maryada makes this crystal-clear by treating men and women as equal partners in faith and community life.

Both can don the Five Ks, lead the sangat in kirtan, recite the Guru Granth Sahib’s wisdom or conduct the ardas. When it comes to seva—whether dishing out langar or volunteering in management—there’s no “men’s work” or “women’s work.” In practice, women serve as granthis, ragis and high-ranking members of institutions such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in India and gurdwara committees around the globe.

Modesty guidelines apply equally to everyone: head covered, shoulders and legs covered—but that’s about shared respect, not restrictions based on anatomy. In recent years, gurdwaras from Vancouver to London have seen female granthis leading prayers, a vivid reminder that the Rehat Maryada tore down any notion of patriarchy long ago.

A modern example? In 2023’s Sikh Women in Leadership conference, delegates highlighted how the code of conduct intertwines with global pushes for women’s empowerment—no need to reinvent the wheel when the teachings are already way ahead of their time. Even at high-profile events like World Sikh Parliament forums, female voices are front and center, shaping policy with equal heft.

It’s not just about ceremony: equal access to education, decision-making and spiritual milestones cements gender parity in everyday Sikh life—no ifs, ands or buts. By design, the Sikh Rehat Maryada paints all souls with the same brush, affirming that enlightenment blossoms best when every heart, regardless of gender, is given the same chance to shine.