What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a religious man who shakes hands with women and mingles with them in a public utility association, and is he sinful for women traveling without a mahram to attend meetings?

It is not permissible for a Muslim man to shake hands with non-mahram (definition) women (women who are not close relatives), because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than that he should touch a woman who is not permissible for him." Shaking hands with women, mixing with them, and conversing with them with a soft voice (khudoo' bil-qawl) contradicts commitment [to Islamic principles]. Furthermore, it is forbidden for women to travel without a mahram, and whoever assists them in this is sinful, based on the Almighty's saying: {And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.}