Answer

Yes — in Jain Dharma, a woman can attain moksha according to the Śvetāmbara tradition. In the Digambara tradition, it is taught that a woman cannot attain moksha in a female body, but can be reborn in a male body and then attain liberation.

As for becoming a Tirthankar, the tradition generally holds that this is a very rare and special status. Śvetāmbara Jains accept that Lord Mallinath was a female Tirthankar, while Digambara Jains accept Mallinath as male.

Explanation

In Jain philosophy, the soul itself has no gender. Gender belongs to the body, not to the jīva. Because of this, the spiritual capacity of the soul is the same.

However, Jain sects differ in their interpretation of:

• whether liberation can happen in a female body
• whether a woman can become a Tirthankar

So the answer is:

• Moksha: yes, according to Śvetāmbara; Digambara says not in a female body
• Tirthankar: Śvetāmbara accepts one female Tirthankar, Mallinath; Digambara does not

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that liberation depends on the destruction of karmas, not on gender in the ultimate sense. The real path is:

• right faith
• right knowledge
• right conduct
• deep detachment
• complete purity of soul

This means spiritual progress is open to every soul. The difference lies in sectarian interpretation of the body needed at the final stage.

Takeaway

From the Jain viewpoint, the soul is beyond gender. A woman’s soul can certainly progress spiritually. Whether moksha or Tirthankarhood is accepted in a female body depends on the Jain tradition followed.