What were they thinking?

[DNS]

an all-male panel on the "risks and benefits" of opening Buddhist leadership to women

One or two or even a few men on the panel who are knowledgeable would not be so bad, but the entire panel is not a good idea. And the wording of "risks and benefits" is totally out of line. Women have been in leadership positions from the beginning. Imagine if you replace 'women' with some other minority demographic group and how inappropriate that would sound and be. And then imagine a panel consisting of only the dominant demographic group discussing the "risks and benefits" of opening Buddhist leadership to them.

[daverupa]

Rita, We invited a number of women to contribute to the symposium, but they either didn't respond or declined to participate.
You were among those we invited to contribute. You didn't respond to the invitation.
In light of that fact, I'm quite puzzled that you're accusing us of "unbelievable levels of ignorance and arrogance."
We would love to add a contribution from you if you're willing.

Hello plwk,

Could you give a link to where this quote is from? - or specify, if there is no link.

With metta,
Chris

The most recent comment, from the link in the OP:

August 21, 2014, 2:18 pm

First I want to set the record straight. I was NOT initially invited to write for this panel when it was being planned. It was already a fait accompli BEFORE I knew anything about it. I was first made aware of this all-male panel last Friday morning by Tricycle magazine, which sent me the link and asked me to comment on this inappropriate panel. My initial reactions are captured in the blog I ended up writing for Tricycle, which is posted above My reactions to what was already a finished piece seem to be quite typical to those of other Buddhist women leaders. I was incredulous that anyone could think that in 2014 an all-male panel discussing Buddhist women’s leadership was appropriate. I must emphasize again that no one from Pantheos approached me to contribute to this panel BEFORE it was posted in its all-male form.

Later last Friday morning, well after the panel had been posted and I was already writing about my reactions for Tricycle, someone from Pantheos did email me, asking me if I wanted to join the panel. That was too little, too late. I don’t know whether or when other women may have been invited to write for this panel, but I was not invited in a timely or an appropriate fashion. I am not going to become the token woman trying to rescue this misguided venture. Women have been asked to play that role far too often.

Thus, I am dismayed to read in comments above that Pantheos claims I was asked to participate in this panel and refused. As you can see from the timeline I narrate, it is not correct to claim that I was invited to participate in this panel. I was only asked to rescue it and the fact that mis-information about the supposed "invitation" I received is posted only increases my incredulity about the whole set of events.

[Cittasanto]

I had a closer look and does seem to be nothing more than paper submission. I guess it may be like a discussion board but no idea. Don't see the page with the articles.

If the contributors were added as they submitted all men could happen but unfortunately this looks doubtful. I wonder how the pathos may react to the latest comment.

If they used the "risks and benefits" and kept the Asian theme I could understand it being somewhat ironic, however. ...

As to what they were thinking, maybe they came accross Ava Vidal from the Daily Telegraph and thought WTH.

“Surely, (International Men’s Day, it’s a touch ironic isn’t it chaps?) a lot of things International Men’s Day has been set up to tackle…are already being done so within the feminist movement”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens ... chaps.html

This may be ok if each controbutor was added when they submitted but

[Kim OHara]

Sometimes I'm to be an Aussie and in the last little while that problem has had a strong connection with our Prime Minister.
I post this in spite of the ignominy he brings on us, as a service to those who think Pantheos is alone in its antediluvian blindness.

When the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, announced his new cabinet on Monday, it was broad brushstroke. A day later, we discover Mr Abbott will be responsible for women's policies and programs, with the assistance of West Australian senator Michaelia Cash, as minister assisting.
His reason? "This will ensure that these key whole-of-government priorities are at the centre of government." And the real agenda? To ensure that he has final control over decisions which affect women. His values align with a society which says women are not equal. It's not just that they are not the same as men, they don't deserve equality.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/tony-abbo ... z3B5FnKJMd

And do click on that link, so you can count the woman in his cabinet.



Kim

[cooran]

Well said, Kim!!

[chownah]

I found the place at Patheos (note: there is no 'n' in Patheos).

http://www.patheos.com/Topics/2014-Reli ... dhist.html

Here is the introduction:
"While immigrant Buddhist communities often retain their traditions of male leadership—as priests, monks, and dharma instructors—many contemporary Buddhist centers are exploring new ways to integrate women into leadership roles. At the same time, a disturbing rise in abuse and inappropriate conduct has highlighted a need for greater attention to teacher-student relations and physical and emotional well-being.

Given the long centuries of Buddhist history and the entrenched traditions that create obstacles for women who seek leadership roles, what are the risks and benefits of opening Buddhist leadership to women? What are the philosophical, theological, and ethical resources upon which such efforts at greater inclusivity can draw? How can different streams of Buddhist tradition each contribute to conversations about gender equality?'
-----------------------
This is followed by the presentation of the various papers submitted. There is a comment section for each individual paper.
chownah

[Mr Man]

This is for the UK

[Spiny Norman]

http://www.patheos.com/Topics/2014-Reli ... dhist.html
"....At the same time, a disturbing rise in abuse and inappropriate conduct has highlighted a need for greater attention to teacher-student relations and physical and emotional well-being.

But what has that got to do with integrating women into leadership roles?

[sattva]

The appropriate response to what were they thinking?

Obviously, they weren't thinking. My own feeling is to now let it go.

[chownah]

http://www.patheos.com/Topics/2014-Reli ... dhist.html
"....At the same time, a disturbing rise in abuse and inappropriate conduct has highlighted a need for greater attention to teacher-student relations and physical and emotional well-being.

But what has that got to do with integrating women into leadership roles?

I can see a connection but if you can't then just forget it......
I am not taking a position on what they have said.....I just presented it to inform people about what is/was happening/happened. There seems to be alot of uninformed comments on this thread and I hoped that if people had access to the website etc. that the comments would be more informed.
chownah