8 places in the world forbidden to women

haji ali dargah

Throughout history, unfortunately women have been discriminated against because of their sex and despite the fact that many advances have been made in terms of equality in the world, there are currently several places where women are prohibited from visiting due to their religious or religious nature. sports, among other reasons. It's hard to believe but it's true.

In the next post we will visit some of those places where even today women are not welcome and must stay away so as not to inconvenience third parties or for their health. 

Haji Ali Dargah Shrine in India

The Haji Ali Dargah Mosque is one of the most symbolic places in Bombay and attracts thousands of visitors every week, but women are prohibited from accessing the tombs by women as it is considered a grave sin. In fact, there are signs that explicitly prohibit the entry of women.

Since 2011, the foundation that manages the sanctuary has prohibited them from entering this mosque frequented by Muslims, Hindus and tourists. One of the reasons given to prevent their passage is that they may be on the days of menstruation, a common argument in the mouth of conservative religious to prevent access to holy places.

The Haji Ali Dargah Mosque is located on an island accessible at low tide. It was built in 1431 in memory of a wealthy merchant who abandoned his estate for the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mount Omine

Mount Omine in Japan

In 2004 Mount Omine was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO but its access is also prohibited to women. The reason is that its beauty can distract pilgrims on their way to asceticism and deep meditation. 

The temple at the top of the mountain is the headquarters of the Shugendo faithful of Japanese Buddhism. During the Heian period (795-1185), the Shugendo pilgrimage route became very popular and, according to legend, pilgrims who broke the rules or showed little faith were hung by the ankles over the cliff.

Women were prohibited from accessing the entire pilgrimage route until the 70s and there are still areas of the path where women cannot step.

Attempts have been made to combat this ban for a long time, but without success. Supporters argue that it is a 1.300-year-old tradition and say that sexual segregation is not the same as discrimination. However, Unesco's naming of Mount Omine as a World Heritage Site was seen by critics as the international endorsement of this ban.

Galaxy Water Park in Germany

Germany's is a curious case. This water park is one of the largest in Europe and has banned women from its main attraction: the X-Treme Faser slide. The reason is that when sliding down it, speeds of more than 100 km / h are reached and several women have reported experiencing discomfort in their genitals after ending its use. Incredible but true.

Mount Athos

Mount Athos in Greece

Back in the XNUMXth century, the Byzantine emperor forbade women access to the sacred area of ​​Mount Athos in order not to tempt the monks who lived there. In one of the three peninsulas that make up Chalkidiki is this mountain where Russian Orthodox monks have lived for about a thousand years.

This place was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1998 but of the 40.000 visitors it receives per year, none are women since they must stay at least 500 meters away from this place. They cannot even access with a special permit that must be requested in advance to see Mount Athos.

But this is not all, according to an old regulation, female animals cannot step on their soil either. The only exception are cats, because they are useful for monks to hunt rodents.

Gentlemen's clubs in Italy

In this European country it is estimated that there are about 40 clubs where politicians, magnates and businessmen meet to discuss business and the economy. However, women cannot join in their discussions because they are not allowed to enter.

Something similar also happens in the Basque Country and gastronomic societies and in some kafenion on the Greek islands. Women are not allowed in these traditional cafes and are often full of men playing cards or talking.

Saudi Arabia

In this country practically all public places are forbidden to women unless they are accompanied by a man. So simple and so disturbing.

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum in New Zealand

In the rooms of the Te Papa Halls Museum, a journey through the history of New Zealand is made through more than 25.000 objects, among which the large number of dresses and photographs stands out.

In this case, it seems that the prohibition of entry to women is not total, but for pregnant women or those who have the rule. Apparently, according to the belief of some religions practiced in the area, women are considered to be "impure" in those days. Now, how will the museum check which visitors are menstruating?

Mlimadji Beach in Comoros Islands

This beach is in the Comoros Islands and although in principle anyone could access the site, it seems that in recent times the authorities have prohibited entry to women due to the pressure exerted by some religious leaders in the area.


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*