It is true that the scientific fields (and most arts, as you point out) have been largely dominated by men, but this is changing. There have always been women who achieved in those fields, but now there are more, and the barriers are gradually being reduced though not removed. It is hard to overcome centuries of custom and culture. Women like your daughter are making it easier for the next generation to overcome those even more.
The statistics on numbers of photographers by gender is contradictory but most suggest it's a 50-50 split now, with some genres being skewed differently one way or another. If you look at photography forums, the majority (well more than half) of participating members are men. In technical debates, there is an even larger proportion of men. I've always been curious about the why's of this, but I don't think it's lack of assertiveness or ability. I suspect that in general, women are less attracted to argument as an enjoyable activity. Most of the women photographers I know on forums are more interested in the various art-related subjects and in sharing or discussing actual images, and they engage in technical talk mainly to solve a problem in their own work: a lens to do a certain thing, lighting for a certain purpose, paper suited for certain prints (or help someone else with their problem). There's always exceptions but that's what I've seen.
I too would welcome more topics on the artistic side. I'm all good with people having as many technical discussions as they want - the forum is new and it needs active discussions - but I do think we need more art-centric and image-centric discussions for balance.And I appreciate those of you (like you and Jim Kasson) who have launched interesting and thoughtful discussions along these lines.
