It has been said (incorrectly IMO) that women are the fairer sex and are weaker than men. If this is the case why don't we just advise women to start carrying weaponry instead of the endless discipline it take to learn how to fight with your barehands? Budo.
Some times it is illegal and impractical to carry a weapon. And I personally know some women who I would not mess around with. So don't let the gender fool you.