Dolma Ling Nunnery Welcomes First-Ever Female Leadership in Historic Shift

Dolma Ling Nunnery in northern India, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2005, has embraced female leadership for the first time in its history, announced the Tibetan Nuns Project. As of 17 April, three Tibetan Buddhist nuns—Geshema Delek Wangmo, Venerable Ngawang Palmo, and Geshema Tenzin Dolma—have assumed leadership roles, replacing the long-standing male principal structure. This marks a significant milestone in Tibetan Buddhist monastic life, reflecting progress in gender equity and empowerment. The nunnery, home to 277 nuns, now operates under a shared leadership model with a three-year term, emphasizing collective responsibility and sustainability.