The Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) is the English name of the worldwide auxiliary lay organization of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
The BWA or Fujinkai was founded in Japan in the early 20th century by Takeko Kujō (1887–1928),[1][2] a daughter of Koson Ohtani, the 21st monshu (head abbot) of the Nishi Hongwanji-ha.
They often prepared and served traditional meals (called otoki) after major services and funerals, and participated in cleaning and upkeep (omigaki) of temples.
Since Jodo Shinshu temples in the U.S. are growing more ethnically diverse, because of the ongoing Western interest in Buddhism and intermarriage, many non-Japanese female Buddhists are also joining BWA chapters.
In the United States, the umbrella organization of BWA chapters across the nation is called the Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations (FBWA) and yearly conferences are held, the location and sponsorship rotating among the various BCA districts.