attitudes. It is an understatement to say that certain forms of discriminations stillexist against women. International action to raise the status of women began In a small way with the now defunctLeague of Nations, shortly after the first World War. Subsequently United Nations Charter wentfurther to grant the principles of equality and freedom to all women The omission on the status ofwomen, an organ of the noted Nations, probed the question of discrimination based on sex anddeliberated on questions pertaining to political rights of women; equal pay for equal work; thestatus of women in common law; the nationality of married women; educational and economicopportunities of women; technical assistance and participation by women. Though much had been accomplished through women s suffragette movements and internationalorganizations In relation to greater women's participation in the social economic and politicalfields, the problem of real freedom has yet to be solved. FREEDOM IN THE BUDDHIST SENSE Real freedom is that of being free from all forms of bondage. It can be achieved only through theproper spiritual development and purification of one's own mind - of cleansing oneself from alltaints of greed, hatred and delusion. No amount of public debates, demonstrations and universalcharters can bring full freedom. These can only be achieved through one's own diligence andheedfulness through regular practice of meditation as taught by the Buddha. The Buddha, in promoting the cause of women was considered to be the first emancipator ofwomen and was the promoter of a democratic way of life. It is in the Buddha-Dhamma thatwomen were not despised and looked down upon but were given status with men in their spiritualendeavor to gain wisdom and liberation. shapeType20lineWidth22225lineColor13948116fShadow1shadowOffsetX0shadowOffsetY-12700shadowOriginY32385...
