Xrhrft

Why is Seder Nashim called Seder Nashim?

The mitzvos discussed do apply to women (except for some tangents like the 7th chapter of Sotah), but so do:

• The overwhelming majority of Zeraim (everything but Shema, Zimun, Viduy Maaser, and Mikra Bikkurim)


• Most of Moed (everything but parts of Shekalim, most of Yoma, just about all of Sukkah and Rosh Hashana, and parts of Chagigah)


• Almost all of Nezikin (even the judgment procedure parts - for instance even though she can't be a witness, she needs to know who she can ask to be a witness)


• Most of Kodshim (everything that a zar is allowed to do)


• The overwhelming majority of Tahoros (everything but some of the procedures of Parah and the male biology of Zavim)

Nashim relates to the interactions between men and women, but with that reason alone, Nashim is no better a name than Anashim. If anything "Anashim venashim" would seem to be a more descriptive name.

Why was "Nashim" chosen?

From the perspective of the Talmudic scholars themselves, almost all of whom were men, it was appropriate to call that subject Nashim, since it deals with relationships with women.

There were women who interacted in learning, such as Beruriah, and Yalta wife of Rav Nachman, but if you just look at the names mentioned in the Talmud, and their frequency, it is pretty clear that the vast majority of scholars were men.