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In a woman man is conceived, From a woman he is born, With a woman he is betrothed and married, With a woman he contracts friendship. Why denounce her, the one from whom even kings are born ? From a woman a woman is born, None may exist without a woman." 5

At the time of Guru Nanak, Indian women were severely degraded and oppressed by their society. Given no education or freedom to make decisions, their presence in religious, political, social, cultural, and economic affairs was virtually non-existent.3 Woman was referred to as "man's shoe, the root of all evil, a snare, a temptress."4 Her function was only to perpetuate the race, do household work, and serve the male members of society. Female infanticide was common, and the practice of sati, the immolation of the wife on her husband's funeral pyre, was encouraged, sometimes even forced.

With this assertion, the Sikh Gurus invited women to join the sangat (congregation), work with men in the langar (common kitchen), and participate in all other religious, social, and cultural activities of the gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship). The Gurus redefined celibacy as marriage to one wife and taught that male and female alike need to practice conjugal fidelity. They advocated marriage of two equal partners. Guru Amar Das, the third guru, wrote :

Q: What kind of government does Sikhism promote? A: Sikhism promotes democracy and the belief that the welfare of people is best secured by their elected representatives. The principle rule of the Khalsa includes electing 5 individuals as the head of the state. Only the unanimous decision agreed by all 5 individuals as the head of the state shall materialize. The reason is that a single head of the state such as one president can make mistakes and become convoluted in his judgment but unanimous decision by 5 heads of the state guarantees more accurate and ethical decision. This is a good example of true democracy. Sikhism also believes in contributing to the society. The gulf between the more fortunate and the less fortunate has to be bridged. The Guru established the Free Kitchen (Langar) which serves the purpose of breaking the caste system and feeding the poor. Sikhism does not believe in capitalism and promotes sharing your wealth with poor. No one should be left hungry or deprived of any necessity for living.