In recent times, attending a colleague’s wedding ceremony shed light on an age-old Pakistani tradition. Upholding the customs, the first round of meals was served to male guests, while hungry children, accompanied by their mothers since morning, spent two hours soaking in the tantalizing aroma of food, eagerly waiting. As the male guests finished their meal, the women took charge of serving food. Given the separate arrangements, the ladies relaxed and began to dine peacefully. Some women, clad in burqas or veils, also removed their face coverings, ensuring that every table was graced with the presence of esteemed gentlemen.
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The scene turned intriguing as several unrelated women joined the gathering. Husbands, wives, and even someone else’s spouse shared the same table. The separation between men and women raised a question: What does it mean when arrangements are distinct? If there is an urgent matter to discuss, what purpose does carrying a mobile phone in one’s pocket serve? If a distant relative is being missed dearly, why can’t they be contacted outside the hall?
When it comes to the women left uncovered, is there anyone who can understand their mental distress? To them, a stranger’s gaze is no less than a thorn from a thorny bush. In mixed arrangements, such occurrences might be considered normal, but in segregated setups, what significance does the arrival of men hold?
If you are a man, refrain from adopting this practice in the future. If you are a woman, enlighten the men in your family that they should not intrude into the ladies’ hall while respecting other women’s privacy. I do not know how many individuals attend such events for genuine reasons or merely to ogle and indulge in lustful thoughts. However, this behavior is deeply flawed in any educated society and is a cause of mental distress for women.