Female artist's in the industry

Female photographers haven't always been around. When asked the question "can you name 10 female artists as quickly as you can name 10 male artists?" I was stunned at my own response, being a woman myself. It was upon this shock that I came to the realisation that female artists despite creating art since the beginning of time, have not been recognised for their talents. This still goes on very much so in today's society. Are men more likely to be hired? Do they have a certain quality than females just don't? In a world that claims increased equality, I quite frankly we're all full of shit. There are still a handful of people, that if given the choice between commissioning a photographer for; a wedding shoot, family shoots etc and had to pick between a male and female candidate, would select the male. "Of the 315 members polled at the NPAC, 257 listed themselves as professional shooters, and only 31 are women." Why? Are we scared to recognise credit when it's due because we think men will overpower? I may be sounding like an extreme feminist...maybe I am in some aspects but I don't think feminism should have a name, everyone should recognise that men and women are fucking equal. We breathe, we eat, we feel, we contribute to reproduction, we laugh, we cry. Nobody can do something that you cannot, the ability is there, the willing may not be. Nevertheless, female photographers still don't get enough recognition or validity in the creative community.