It is a little known fact that women in some parts of the world were, in the past and in some instances, even now prohibited from drinking coffee. This ancient practice is responsible for some unusual gender divides in certain parts of the world, particularly in the Middle Eastern region. The banning and social refusal of women from drinking coffee is wrapped-up in cultural, religious beliefs and values which date back centuries.
The first bans of women drinking coffee were believed to have taken place as early as the 15th century when coffee itself had only recently been discovered. The first ‘coffeehouses’ of the time were male-exclusive with only men permitted to frequent and drink the exotic bitter drink. It is likely that the ban was imposed ‘to protect men from the wicked effects of the women’s presence, or vice versa’, according to historian Arabian Dr Klein.
This social restriction on women drinking coffee has resulted in a serious gender divide among certain communities including a significant restriction on women being able to gain access to what is regarded as a fundamental human right; the right to choose to drink a beverage. Such an activity is often seen as an important platform to engage in wider social activities, to socialise and be a part of a community.
This divide is significant and has been perpetuated by both men and women in certain societies; this divide is a symptom of patriarchal ideology which derives many of its beliefs and values from religious norms. Dr Klein suggests that traditionally, in certain countries, ‘drinking coffee [was] seen as manly because it did not have the consequences of drinking alcohol’ and so by not allowing women to drink coffee ‘a powerful symbol of male dominance [was] preserved’. As coffee became a drink of the rich, so too did the limitation on women become a social status symbol.
It is true that some societies have moved on from the ancient practice. While the practice has declined, it is still in evidence in some parts of the world. For example, a recent study by the Saudi Arabian Social Security Society found that 88.1% of Saudi women still ‘did not drink coffee’ compared to only 11.9% of Saudi men.
In the Western world, coffee remains a relatively socially acceptable beverage although certain groups, particularly in the health food industry, suggest that the hormone-altering effects of caffeine are not positive and that the tendency of people to use coffee as a stimulant is ultimately detrimental to health. However, debates about whether coffee is healthy or not have never been cause to bar women from drinking the beverage, which suggests that the same can be said for other parts of the world which today impose a ban.
It is without question that the restriction of women drinking coffee is a practice which should be discarded and done away with. No human should suffer the social exclusion of such a common, everyday activity. The possibility of reducing gender divides and providing wider access to the basic right of choice, particularly in countries which are lagging behind the Westernorld in terms of male-female equality, is opening up with coffee becoming more inclusive of all genders.
Economic Impact
In terms of the economic impact, it’s no surprise that more coffeehouses and coffee related businesses tend to spring up in societies which permit women to drink coffee – with the inevitable benefit of increased employment opportunities for everyone. We can also assume that increased access to the ‘stimulating’ beverage will make people more productive, motivated and able to engage in higher quality work.
By opening up access to coffee for women, businesses can enjoy the advantages of a potential ‘coffee tax’ which could, theoretically, provide additional funding for projects and initiatives to close the gender gap in areas where it is still wide and restricted. Such a move towards gender equality, from either a government or a business perspective, is something which many countries actively strive for but face difficulties in certain areas where women are still not given many of the rights they deserve.
At a more micro level, we can assume that permitting women to drink coffee will have a positive impact on both individuals and the society in which they live in. Coffeehouses than open their doors to all genders, rather than just men, can provide safe public spaces in which more diverse conversations and activities can take place. The opportunity to socialise, share ideas and engage in activities as an individual can all be afforded by drinking coffee in a space where male and female customers are both welcomed and catered for – what could be more inspirational and beneficial to the culture of a society?
Educational Benefits
Another benefit of permitting women to drink coffee can be seen at an educational level and may have far-reaching effects with regards to gender equality. Women are denied equal access to educational opportunities in some parts of the world and often lack access to the resources which are required to gain a higher education level which can provide greater job prospects.
By allowing women to drink coffee and by socialising them with members of the opposite sex, these women can become more self-confident, educated and directly partake in the acquisition of knowledge; they can become recognised members of the world’s educational sphere and gain access to the relevant qualifications. This can give rise to increased access to more beneficial and, more productive livelihoods.
The majority of the gender gap in terms of educational achievement can be directly traced to the banning of women’s access to coffee, substances, events and activities – and it’s in this way that gender norms and restrictions can be disproven. Education is an essential part of gender equality and it has been proven to have a positive effect on societies in terms of health and economic growth.
When women have access to an education and to the tools that it provides, gender equality can be more easily achieved. With access to the same materials, activities and social opportunities, women will gain the same insights, experience, networks and qualifications that boys and men have – which could lead to greater success, improved wellbeing and a social upliftment.
Human Rights Perspective
We must be aware of the social implications and effects of banning women from drinking coffee with regards to human rights. This practice restricts the right to choose, to freedom of movement and to freedom of association and in turn, affects the right of people to benefit from their own initiative. This can have a very real and direct impact on a person’s economic opportunities and social position.
The effects of denying people access to certain activities and opportunities also runs much deeper than economic and educational. It can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of belonging when people are not accepted and are ostracised in situations where coffee is a focal point; this can lead to deep rooted psychological issues, frustrations and an inability to communicate effectively which would not exist if full access to coffee was provided.
Respecting and accommodating the freedom of people to engage in activities is fundamental to a healthy, progressive society. As such, it is crucial that this ancient practice of banning women from drinking coffee is not perpetuated and is instead erased from the cultural norms of our world.
Environmental Considerations
The coffee industry has a significant effect on the environment; it’s responsible for a large proportion of agricultural and water waste, especially in countries like Brazil where coffee is a major industry and source of livelihood. As such, allowing women equal access to coffee can have a positive impact on the environment. This is because it offers an increased ability to discuss and engage in sustainable agricultural methods, technologies and initiatives which could have a positive benefit for countries with a large coffee industry.
In addition, empowering women by giving them the freedom to drink coffee has the potential to reduce the severity of environmental issues on a global level. While this may not be the main goal of allowing women access to the beverage, it is certainly an additional benefit.
The impact of allowing women access to coffee could be felt not only in terms of sustainability and efficiency, but also in terms of business profit and growth. By providing women with a more equitable and right to choose to drink coffee, businesses will become more successful and be able to enjoy the numerous economic benefits that come with an increased customer base.
Conclusion
The banning of women drinking coffee, although still present in certain parts of the world, is a practice which is outdated and restricting. Society should not deny the right to choose, to communicate and to develop, to any gender and so it is essential that we all strive to reinforce the fundamental freedoms and rights of people, regardless of their gender.
It is clear that there are a number of potential benefits that could arise from allowing access for women to drink coffee. These include increased employment opportunities, improved social engagement, access to an education and increased sustainability. All of these effects must be taken into consideration when we acknowledge the potential for allowing women the opportunity to drink coffee.
