In Australia this tends to be the case also and I'm sure Julie's observations and experiences are valid.
<<. This has been, afterall, a traditionally
male-dominated hobby, at least in the US. I can give you several
examples, from my own and other's experiences, of women joining fish
groups only to be ignored or dismissed by the clique group of "oldtimer"
men present. Luckily, these instances seem to be decreasing as time goes
on.>>
When my mother tried to join the only aquarium society in our city when I was a boy (and that is really some time ago) her application was rejected by the all-male membership despite (or perhaps out of jealousy, according to her) her credentials of being
the first local breeder to have success with several of the egg-layers such as Cherry Barbs, Ruby Barbs, Thick-lipped Gouramis etc. In those days that was pretty high-powered stuff. It is a bit disappointing to hear that those prejudices still linger on.
I agree with Julie that many of the ladies in our Queensland group of ANGFA are spouses of the aquarists but there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel amongst the newer members. Perhaps emphasising the artistic and conservation
aspects of the hobby e.g. aquascaping may help. Once they get hooked on breeding ( fishes that is) they usually turn out to be very successful - possibly because of attention to detail.
Whatever the reason, I for one am keen to see more participation in the hobby by "aquaristes" :-) Somehow in this age of politically correct language we may have to be careful what term we use to avoid giving offence where none was intended.
Bruce Hansen ANGFA