Step 1: Concept Clarification:
The inquiry seeks to identify the individual responsible for persuading the Buddha to establish an order of nuns (*bhikkhunis*) and integrate women into the monastic community (*sangha*).
Step 2: Explanatory Details:
Buddhist texts indicate the Buddha's initial reluctance to ordain women. Mahapajapati Gotami, his foster mother, was the first to request ordination for herself and her followers, but her requests were repeatedly denied.
It was Ananda, the Buddha's dedicated cousin and attendant, who interceded. Ananda presented a compelling case to the Buddha, questioning whether women were as capable of achieving enlightenment as men. Upon the Buddha's affirmation of their capacity, Ananda advocated for their ordination. Convinced by Ananda's logic and persistence, the Buddha eventually consented to the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, albeit with the imposition of eight additional precepts (the *Garudhammas*) for the nuns.
Consequently, while Mahapajapati Gotami initiated the request, Ananda was the instrumental figure in securing the approval.
Step 3: Conclusive Answer:
Ananda successfully advocated for the Buddha's permission to admit women into the sangha.