Never before in recorded history have women enjoyed such high levels of freedom, respect, and opportunity as they do today.  Today the women of Malaysia and Singapore enjoy the freedom and ability to pursue not only their worldly goals and dreams, but also the higher goal of spiritual liberation. As politically and economically stable societies with policies of religious tolerance, Malaysia and Singapore are centers for all three wonderful traditions of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. This rich diversity is further enhanced by the different schools of each tradition.

With these special conditions, during these turbulent and troubled times, the Buddhist women in Malaysia and Singapore have a precious opportunity to practice the Dharma. By supporting one another to walk the Noble Eightfold Path and develop their minds and hearts, women can make immense contributions toward preserving and prolonging the Buddhist sasana. This paper explores the ways in which Buddhist women, in their distinctive capacities as Sangha members, lay practitioners, and devotees; as mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters, are making significant contributions.