We have them around here to - the ninjas. Well, there are states you will travel to and see them, and there are states that you won't. I grew up not knowing the niqab too, until i moved to another state.
As for the reasons, i think the second you came across on the internet is the one i am most conversant with, well, the first also does happen when the husband becomes insecure and wants his wife "hidden" from people's eyes, because he thinks she is "too beautiful", i guess. And most times, the women oblige because well, they are supposed to be (submissive?) To their husbands.
I have actually seen many unmarried ladies use it, actually, most of the people i have come across using the niqab are unmarried, and maybe one or two newly married ladies.
Well, you found it strange that she was eating like that? Most of the ladies you will find wearing niqab here hardly ever eat in public places...🤫
England must have been fun so far, right?😊
RE: The Title Of This One is The First And Last Sentence in The Opening Paragraph