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Summary of Question:	SGPC
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 7/26/2000 4:35 PM MDT

I was reading about SIkhism from an online encyclopedia: BRitannica to be exact and it said that "THe SAngat ("COngregation') is usually called the Sadh-Sangat ("COngregation of holy men') and thus is invested with sanctity. THe Sangat in each gurudwara elects its own governing body, and desicions are taken by vote. AS a rule women do not participate in the deliberations. ....why is this so???...

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The Sadh Sangat consists of both men and women. Men and women of consciousness, discipline, love are the Sadh Sangat.

In the Indian culture, women have been considered adjuncts of their husbands. In Sikh society, women and men are equal. Within Khalsa, there is no gender.

In many Gurdwara's in the West women are very much a part of the Gurdwara operations. In fact, the Gurdwara's in the USA that I know are completely run by women. When it comes to devotion, I think the women are masters. When it comes to politics and power struggles you will find a lot of men competing with each other.