Re: It's one of the most pervasive problems in tech: ingrained sexism...
I was even advised, at my college, that if I could swallow my pride and get into a traditionally feminine field - nursing - I'd be making mad bank in a few years and wouldn't have to get my hands dirty at all a few more years after that.
I'll tell my friend who was forced to retire in his late 30s due to a bad back will find your "insight" quite fascinating. Just as well you're an AC because otherwise he might have come around and demonstrated a rather interesting use of a pick-axe handle for you.