"Testosterone talks, estrogen walks."
I've learned that on the trail. Men can carry more uphill for briefer times, women have more endurance and stamina for the longer haul. Both CAN do either, we're talking predispositions.
I happen to believe strongly that women are tougher in the long run, men are stronger in the short.
It's genetic. Women are genetically inclined to protect the family from the inside, the relationships and the emotional needs. Men are genetically engineered more to protect that same unit from outside threats.
Both CAN fulfill either role, but if nature were free to run her course that would be the default.
Arf