In Jainism, the role of Acharya is traditionally the highest rank in the monastic hierarchy, typically bestowed upon monks who lead and guide the religious order. In the Digambara tradition, only men can become Acharyas, as Digambaras believe women cannot attain the highest spiritual states in their current birth.

However, in the Śvētāmbara tradition, women can achieve high ranks within the monastic community, though the title "Acharya" is still most commonly reserved for male monks. Senior female monastics are often given the titles "Āryikā" (in Digambara) or "Sadhviji" or "Mahasati" (in Śvētāmbara), and they can lead groups of nuns and play important roles in religious instruction and community leadership. In recent times, especially among Śvētāmbara sects like Terapanthi, titles such as "Pramukh Sadhvi" or "Mahashramani" are given to senior nuns, who function in roles similar to Acharyas for the female order.

So, while the traditional title "Acharya" is predominantly held by men, women in Jainism, especially in the Śvētāmbara tradition, do hold high spiritual and leadership positions within the monastic community.