Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple is collectively named from two words Hari (God) and the Mandir (temple), the temple of God.
The central Sikh holy place teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
For years now, people all over the world have brought up the crucial issue of gender inequality that takes place at this Sikh shrine and the other four ‘takhats’ managed by SGPC.
Parveen Kaur, a high school student from Perth, was eight years old when she first visited Harmandir Sahib, the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhs.
Miss Kaur now wants to raise voice against the gender inequality that she has seen taking place at various Sikh Gurdwaras.
“I was surprised to know that women are not permitted to participate in some forms of ‘seva’ [selfless service] such as Kirtan [singing of hymns] at Harmandir Sahib,” she said in an interview with SBS Punjabi.
“I was shocked and confused. This is not only a case of inequality, but a violation of a fundamental Sikh principle. 
Miss Kaur now aims to stand up for this cause. once 10,000 people sign it.
Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab is the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion. Source: Supplied
“It’s embarrassing that it is happening in this age. Sikhism stands for equality, she says.
“All our gurus have always stood up for gender equality. One of the basic teachings of Sikhism is that people treat each other and be treated equally regardless of any form of status such as caste, religion, colour or sex.
“But the committee at Harmandir Sahib has quite clearly done the opposite, and I don’t understand the reason for this exclusion.
“Why should it matter whether a person doing Kirtan is a female or a male....They are still reflecting of the teachings of the guru.
“Our gurus have repeatedly voiced up against the oppression of women throughout the course of history. During the 15th century, the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spoke up for gender equality.
“By not allowing women to participate in the activities at Harmandir Sahib, such as Kirtan Seva, the committee tarnishes the message of the gurus and distorts the basic principles of Sikhism as well as discriminating based on sex ‐ a clear case of misogyny.
“I am very keen to create awareness of this unjust issue, empowering women and providing them with equal opportunities, whilst pressuring the committee to rectify this sexist act.
A women ‘raghi jatha’ mentioned that they never had any issues doing Kirtan seva at most of the historical Gurdwaras including Bangla Sahib and others, the only places they weren't allowed were the five takhts of Sikhism.
In 2017, the Sikh Network had a campaign celebrating 350 of the most inspirational Sikh women. Source: Supplied
These Gurdwaras are managed by SGPC, which is also often referred to as Parliament of the Sikhs.
In 2004, Bibi Jagir Kaur who was the first woman to be elected as the president of the SGPC, proposed a resolution for allowing women to perform Kirtan in Harmandar Sahib, but no conclusion was reached.
SBS Punjabi has contacted SGPC for their input on this delicate issue.
