I've read most of this thread... but I will admit I haven't caught up with ALL of the postings... so please forgive me if I repeat something someone else has said.
I've organized a number of women only learn to dive group trips. So my point of view is informed by my experience with those groups.
First, when we have discussion like this, generalizations are made... that's necessary in order to manage all of the information -- And, with any generalization - not ALL women are like that or not ALL men some other way... I think that is probably one of the biggest reasons why I would support a program for women -- NOT because women CAN'T learn with men.... but, rather, some women might prefer a single sex group... and I like the idea of each of us being able to get what we want in the way we want it... If you look at my profile, you'll see that I am DEFINITELY NOT a one size fits all kinda chick.
Now, in terms of specifics -- I have worked with a number of women, who, before trying scuba weren't particularly athletic. During their learning process they had all kinds of experiences about what it actually felt like to use their bodies in an athletic way. Having those discussions with other women was very supportive and encouraging. There are also some diving styles that seem to be more common for women than men, and vice versa... not ALL men and women... but, it can be helpful to have those discussions. Sometimes, in a male dominated environment, the voices of women don't get heard.
I once worked with a woman who was a newly certified diver. Her husband and military buddies were also certified and more experienced than she was. She was intimidated about her lack of knowledge, experience and her questions. The men were impatient with her. After one diving attempt with the men, she was ready to give up. She went diving with me -- one morning, two dives.... She asked all of her questions, we discussed them.... if I didn't know an answer we talked about ow to find the answer. I gave her a few pointers on form. I pointed out what she was doing well, and what she could expect to improve with experience. By the end of the day, she felt ready to go back and stand her own as a new, novice, but appropriately competent diver with her husband and friends.
There was another woman who had a few dives, 25 or 30, I think, and had maybe taken the AOW... But other than her training dives, her husband had been her only buddy. He was very supportive and nurturing and took great care of her. She was very nervous because she wasn't sure if she could do this sport on her own... if her husband wasn't right by her side. I spent a morning with her -- she did everything on her own... I helped her double check herself for safety. She participated in the dive plan, she helped with navigation, she did GREAT! When we surfaced, she said she had never been more relaxed. She had the opportunity to demonstrate to herself that she was a fine diver.
Also, I know that SOME women feel uncomfortable asking questions in front of men... and yes, the men probably need to hear those answers too... but if the women are too uncomfortable asking, nobody gets the information.
And, yes, I have been with some women who are very catty and competitive with other women... that has been the minority of my experiences.
I think that women CAN learn and do anything the men can. And, some women are perfectly comfortable in a male dominated environment. There are other women who do better in a situation geared toward women. Soooooo, I'm strongly for the 'different strokes for different folks' perspective.
And, by the way, Catherine? When can we go to Molokai????
Liz
Oh, and for the record... I put my long hair in a pony tail and then put it up in a barrett on the back of my head. My mask strap goes OVER the barrett and keeps my mask from slipping. Fresh water rinse, a little conditioner, if available... and I'm good to go.
