[Aliska]

See what I mean? No women of any stripe are allowed on that Athos mountain commune.

Why? Would women defile the mountain or the monks or both? It is sexist and reminds me of some old desert hermits in the west who wouldn't let women near them because they had a warped view of devils, temptations, and women.

[Spar]

It arises from religious traditions found in all religions. The Greek pagans had a festival called the Thesmophorus which was strictly women only (men would be killed if cought observing). Original Christians adopted the Jewish tradition of seperation of the sexes when praying in church (women on one side men on the other). It is nothing new or unique in religions of all stripes.