Purdah

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Purdah (Persian/Urdu: پردہ) literally meaning "curtain") is the practice of preventing men from seeing women. This takes two forms: physical segregation of the sexes and requiring women to cover their bodies so as to cover their skin and conceal their form. This separates the two genders from each other in all aspects of Middle Eastern culture.

Purdah probably developed in pre-islamic Persia and is now evident in the Islamic world, but is also observed by other communities in the Indian subcontinent.

Physical segregation within a building can be done with walls, curtains, and screens. A woman's withdrawal into purdah may restrict her personal, social and economic activities outside her home. The usual purdah garment worn is a burqa, which may or may not include a yashmak, a veil to conceal the face. The eyes may or may not be exposed.

Purdah was rigorously observed under the Taliban in Afghanistan, where women had to observe complete purdah at all times when they were in public. Only close male family members and other women were allowed to see them out of purdah. In other societies, purdah is often only practised during certain times of religious significance.

In historically Islamic Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, purdah has more cultural than religious significance, being a custom. Even in the United Arab Emirates, where women can wear skirts and similar modest garments, Arab women often observe purdah.

A form of purdah is also seen in other religions such as Christianity and Judaism. Certain Christian and Jewish denominations require women to be 'covered' whilst worshipping (if only by a hat or similar symbolic object).

[edit] Other meanings

Purdah also means "curtain" in Persian, Urdu, and Hindi (पर्दा).
In colloquial English, 'purdah' is used as a synonym for isolation.
Purdah is used by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer to refer to the period after plans have been prepared but before his annual budget is announced when he refrains from discussing any matters which have relevance to the forthcoming budget.
Purdah is also a term used in the UK to refer to the time between the announcement and holding of an election. During this time any governmental activities that may be construed as potentially benefiting or promoting a specific political party or prospective candidate are halted or suspended.