Sikh history is full of accounts of men and women of other faiths, like Hindus and Muslims, felt safe when there was a Sikh around them. They felt secure from invaders and other people when Khalsa was around. The women and the oppressed would feel safe and protected around a Khalsa. It was a common saying in Punjab:
Aye nihang, booha khol de nihang
Awey inhMg, bUhw Kol dy inhMg
Translation: The Nihangs (Sikhs) are at the door. Dear woman! go ahead open the door without any fear whatsoever. In the ancient times, the Sikhs had to fight tough battles with the rulers. They moved from village to village at night. Sometimes they had to hide. Women folk had a very high degree of trust in the Sikhs who were clearly identifiable from a turban and beard. Women knew that the Sikhs had high moral character and never mistreated or molested women. So they fed them and helped them in whatever way they could.