Different Jain traditions have different views on whether women can be Tirthankaras.

• Digambara view: In their tradition, the Tirthankaras are all male. They teach that achieving the omniscience (kevala jnana) required for a Tirthankar is not possible for a woman in the current cycle of time, because of karmic obstacles associated with the female body. Therefore, according to Digambara doctrine, women cannot be Tirthankaras and must be reborn as men to progress spiritually to that level.

• Śvetāmbara view: In Śvetāmbara texts and beliefs, there is allowance for female spiritual liberations in the form of female Tirthankaras in their lineage. They hold that women can attain kevala jnana and become Tirthankaras in the same way as men.

Key point: the difference is about divine status and the possibility of kevala jnana for women within the current cosmic cycle. Digambaras say no; Śvetāmbaras say yes (in their respective historical lists). Both traditions share the core Jain goal of liberation, but they differ on this specific doctrinal point.