Within the Sikh vision of devotion to the One God and service to humanity, women are understood to stand on fully equal spiritual ground with men. The same divine light is affirmed as present in every human being, so women possess the same capacity for remembrance of the Divine, meditation, and realization of liberation. There is no scriptural barrier to women participating in any religious rite, and their spiritual dignity is not conditioned by marital or social status. This theological equality was articulated from the earliest Gurus and remains a central thread in Sikh teaching.

This principle of equality expresses itself in religious life and leadership. Women may read from the Guru Granth Sahib, lead congregational worship, perform Ardas, and carry out all the associated responsibilities of caring for the scripture. They may serve as granthis and religious teachers, and are encouraged to take Amrit and keep the five Ks, entering fully into the discipline of the Khalsa. Participation in gurdwara management and broader religious activities is open to women, reflecting the understanding that any form of seva, whether visible leadership or quiet service, belongs equally to all.

The social vision that flows from this spiritual foundation is equally striking. The Gurus explicitly rejected customs that demeaned or endangered women, such as purdah, sati, dowry, and female infanticide, and they presented marriage as a partnership of spiritual and worldly companionship rather than a hierarchy. Within family and society, roles such as motherhood, work, and public engagement are seen as meaningful arenas of seva when carried out in remembrance of God and in an ethical manner. Historical figures such as Bibi Bhani and Mata Sahib Kaur, along with other women who served as warriors and community leaders, stand as embodiments of this ideal.

Service to humanity forms a shared vocation for women and men alike. Women participate fully in langar, in caring for the congregation, in supporting the poor and oppressed, and in the defense of justice. Courage, compassion, and honesty are held up as virtues for all, and Sikh history remembers women who lived these qualities in both spiritual and social spheres. In this way, the role of women is not a separate category but an integral expression of the Sikh understanding that devotion to the One God must manifest as active, selfless service to all beings.