glass purdah

It's a continuation on the glass ceiling/glass closet idea. In eastern westernised societies men and women do come to a party together but segregate themselves in different corners upon arrival. You can see eachother but you can't cross over to meet: The glass purdah rules.

She: Bye now for a while, I've to go to my own side.
He: Look but don't cross, the glass purdah rules!
She: Looking is better than touching and thank god they don't put down a black purdah any more.