It has always been the err of man to spoil the teachings of true nature and to pervert the equality inherent in every existence and gender. The difference between masculine and feminine, the difference between the education of the sexes, the perversion of the understanding of nature inherent and thus arising false views.
For centuries, males have always been preferred over females and thus giving rise to an unequal society based on genders. Much hard work and effort have been placed into the modern world to rid off as much injustice and inequality of the gender.
Even in the monastic orders and followers of the Buddha Sakyamuni, there are people who would set different rules for genders not because of the difference of genders and thus set these rules but of the view of the superiority of males over females and thus these rules are created (called the Vinaya). Rules can be changed and forged, who knows how many have been created after the Parinirvana of the Buddha Sakyamuni. I am not trying to instigate or pinpoint some conspiracy but the fact that the possibility is there is the very truth. A mere word "Thus have I heard" would not suffice as the truth Buddha Sakyamuni have said as anyone could append "Thus have I heard" in front of their workings and claim visions of scriptures when it is simply a lie.
To clarify and summarize my stance, all beings are equal essentially in the tathagatagarbha and true nature within. It's the degree of clouded views and karmas a being possess. Male or female (or any gender, race or religion) does not matter at all as the very true nature, the tathagatagarbha has always never left us or distance from us. If such a view of the same-ness is held, these very bias / prejudice rules and formalities can be withdrawn and such false views of inequality and difference can be eradicated.
Gatha of the Lake:
In the lake with the still surface of the mirror,A lotus bloomed in fullness sits in it's center.The tathagata sitting upon the fully bloom lotus.Naturally and wonderfully with great ease and non-duality,Like the clear skies and still waters,Simple and unsophisticated it rests with ease.
