Women in Jainism:
Since Jainism is a religion that mainly focuses on your own actions, it is a very equal religion. Women are allowed to become religious figures, unlike some religions. However in some sects of jainism they are still discriminated against. There are even sects who believe that a women is naturally harmful, because her menstruation kills small organisms of the body. Therefore women must be reincarnated as a man before achieving liberation.
Fasting:
Fasting is a very part of the Jain religion. The jains have a lot of focus on asceticism, and fasting is believed to clear your mind and cleanse your soul. Monks and nuns fast regularly, but lay Jains fast only on holy days and festival type days. Many jains use fasting as a penance, it's a way to clear karma from your soul. There are also different levels of fasting in Jainism. The highest level is called Santhara or Sallenkhana. It is fasting to death; Mahavira did it. It is seen as being honorable, and a way to release your soul from reincarnation. There is a movement against it in India, human rights activists believe it is inhumane for the family to allow the person to suffer starvation.
Daily Practices:
In the morning, Jains start with morning prayers and repentance, where they repent the things they have done in the last twenty-four hours. During the day, they are recommended to visit temples, but many replace these with services at home. They are supposed to care for people throughout the day. During the night, many Jains read the teachings and have evening prayers. They also try and fit a forty-eight minute meditation somewhere during the day.
Jainist sects:
There are two main Jainist sects, with many many subsects. The two main sects are the Digambras and the Shvetambaras. The digambaras believe that the monks and nuns of jainism should be very ascetic, many going naked, with only a small water bowl. They are also the sect that believes that women are naturally harmful, due to the menstrual cycle. The Shvetambaras wear simple white robes, and are perhaps a little less extreme in some views. These two sects differ (sometimes greatly) in their interpretations of the teachings of the Tirkantharas.