|  | | behind the veil | | | | | hi let me give you an insight into the custom of purdha where women are not seen. i lived within the confines of a pashtu family for several months. this gave me a fascinating insight into the lives of the women. Peshawar is a very friendly and hospitable place. many people live in extended multiple families. houses are usually large and inaccessible. often built with high walls and iron gates. no one can see in or out of these. the only outsidec space being roofs. where a square patch of blue sky filled with kites can be seen. women really do not venture outside unless absolutely necessary. when they do it is is groups accompanied by a male relative and a few young children. they will wear burqa or chaddor, completely covering themselves. men and children do all the shopping and answer all doors. guests will have seperate entrances to homes so women will never be seen. there are women areas in all restaurants and shops often behind filthy curtains. no men allowed in these confines.women spend days cooking cleanindg and caring for children. the also sleep and rest a lot. physical activity being discouraged so as not to impair their child bearing ability. personally i found that you verge on the side of madness by being so restricted and took to excercising by running around the roof. the women thoughtwe have such hard lives in the west and pitied my freedom and the fact i had to work, meet friends or even choose my own husband. my impression is that we live in a wierd and wonderfull world
| | | | |
|
|
