Short answer: Śvetāmbara Jains say Mallīnātha (Mallīnātha) is a female Tīrthaṅkara in their lineage, so they consider some Tīrthaṅkaras to be women. They believe a woman can attain kevala jñāna (omniscience) and become a Tīrthaṅkara in the current cosmic cycle.

Key point differences with Digambaras:

• Śvetāmbara view: Mallīnātha is a female Tīrthaṅkara; women can achieve mokṣa and become Tīrthaṅkaras.
• Digambar view: All 24 Tīrthaṅkaras are male; women cannot become Tīrthaṅkaras in the present cycle.

In short, the difference rests on whether women can reach kevala jñāna in this cycle (Śvetāmbara yes; Digambara no). You can read more on these differing views here: and