Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Dolma Ling Nunnery Appoints First Female Leadership Team
In a big change, a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery called Dolma Ling has chosen a group of women to lead it.
This is a big deal because, for a long time, men were in charge.
The nuns are now focusing on studying philosophy and other subjects.
They are getting support from projects that help them learn and grow.
Although things are changing, there aren't as many women leaders as men, but things are improving.
This shift shows how women are becoming more involved in Tibetan Buddhist life and leadership.
Dolma Ling Nunnery, a Tibetan Buddhist institution, appointed a female leadership team for the first time in its 30-year history.
The nuns' educational focus has shifted to include rigorous philosophical training, influenced by the Dalai Lama's encouragement.
The geshe degree, previously exclusive to men, was opened to women in 2012, with 73 geshemas as of December 2024.
The Tibetan Nuns Project supports hundreds of nuns, offering educational and material assistance, including support for nunneries.
Nuns are increasingly visible in Tibetan public life, but gender parity in leadership and representation remains a challenge.
- Who
- The leadership change involves nuns, particularly those who have earned the geshema degree, and is supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project and the Dalai Lama.
- What
- Dolma Ling Nunnery appointed its first female leadership team, marking a significant shift in Tibetan Buddhist monastic life.
- When
- The change in leadership happened earlier this year.
- Where
- Dolma Ling Nunnery in Sidhpur, near Dharamsala, India.
- Why
- The change represents a move toward greater gender equality and focuses on expanding educational opportunities for nuns, promoting deeper engagement with Buddhist philosophy.
Historical Gender Inequality
Evolving roles
Access to education and leadership
Historical Gender Inequality
Historically, nuns faced limited educational opportunities and were often subordinate to monks.
Evolving roles
Current initiatives aim to address the disparities by providing access to advanced education and leadership roles.
- Nunnery Name
- Dolma Ling
- Location
- Sidhpur, near Dharamsala, India
- Leadership Change
- First female leadership team
- Geshema Degree for Women
- Available since 2012
- Geshemas as of Dec 2024
- 73
- Supported by
- Tibetan Nuns Project