There is still much patriarchy in Arab countries, so separation .. as you know .. other reasons are given, too ..
Why do men and women pray separately in a mosque?
The correct answer, from a Muslim, is that we pray separately for reasons of modesty and it is totally possible to get attracted as GOD has created attraction Between Men and Women). In the time of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) women would pray in rows behind the rows of men. If they prayed in front of the men or mingled with the men then when we prostrate men would get a direct view of womens bottoms, this is not a way to be modest and would make it difficult for everyone to concentrate on their prayers.
These days we either pray behind the men, in rows adjacent to men, with a curtain dividing men and women or in a separate prayer room for women.
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