Female monastics in Southeast Asia play a significant role in the region’s Buddhist traditions, although their status and recognition vary across different countries. In southeast Asia, countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand predominantly adhere to Theravada buddhism. Female monastics in Southeast Asia have historically been marginalized, but they are increasingly advocating for recognition and the rights to ordain within the Buddhist tradition. Female monastics generally do not receive the same institutional support as monks. 

The patriarchal structures of Southeast Asian societies further limit the roles of women in religious institutions. Female monastics, especially in Thailand and Cambodia, must rely on lay supporters for financial assistance and face challenges related to public perception. 

Mae Chis* typically receives no financial support from the state or religious institutions, leading to economic hardship. Some have been forced into begging to survive, which has contributed to negative stereotypes about their status. Being a female renunciant can therefore be extremely difficult and unsafe in this context. However, the temples often rely on the free work of Mae Chis to maintain the temple or monastery and help the monks, leaving also very little space and time for them to practice. 

The re-establishment of the bhikkhuni* (fully ordained female monks, orange robe) ordination in some countries, like Sri Lanka and more recently Thailand, is a significant development. However, the path to full recognition for bhikkhunis remains highly contested and complex, as these efforts face strong opposition from both religious and governmental authorities. Bhikkhuni ordination is prohibited under Thai ecclesiastic law but has been revived in Sri Lanka, fostering a strong spiritual connection between Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Footnotes:

Mae Chi : In Thailand, female renunciants who have taken vows of celibacy and asceticism, they wear white robes. In Cambodia they are called Donchee 

Bhikkhuni : fully ordained female Buddhist monk who has taken vows and entered the Buddhist monastic community, orange robe