The annual award highlights “the acts of courage and determination by women in the history of Buddhism.”
The annual “Outstanding Women in Buddhism Awards Ceremony” hosted by the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation (IWMCF) will be celebrated on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023 in a hybrid ceremony.
This year, fourteen Buddhist women have been selected for this award, which will be presented at the temple of Bhikkhuni Dhammavaree in Roi-Et, Thailand.
The IWMCF is based in Rayong, Thailand, and aims to create gender equality in Buddhism by “establishing bhikkunis as leaders in society.” The foundation offers a number of services including post-graduate education for bhikkhunis, IT and media services for women dharma teachers, and meditation and Buddhist practice instruction for women and girls.
The “Outstanding Women in Buddhism” award was founded in 2002 by Bhikkhuni Rattanavali and Bhikkhuni Dr. Lee with the objective of recognizing Buddhist women’s accomplishments in celebration of International Women’s Day, and to “celebrate the acts of courage and determination by women in the history of Buddhism.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Bhikkhuni Dhammavaree Bhothiyana of Thailand
- Maechee Nudiao Netpakdee of Thailand
- Thilashin Punnesi of Myanmar
- Reverend Ursula Richard of Germany
- Bhiksuni Shih Sing-yin of Taiwan
- Nan Phong Kham of Myanmar
- Reverend Master Meian Elbert of the USA
- Bhikkhuni Sakula of Thailand
- Kullanit Kaewkao of Thailand
- Tenzin Chogkyi of the USA
- Gabriela Frey of France
- Grace Yeh of Taiwan
- Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita of Thailand
- Lama Chimey Lhatso of Sweden
To learn more about the recipients, visit the International Women’s Meditation Center website.