Like for like size reduction is in the 20% range, comparing a ladies size 8 to mens L or XL (brand and sometimes garment dependant). Other sizes may vary
Your right about the tent/stove etc but then my stove setup is almost stupid light anyway as I only use it once a day. So yeah total wouldn't be 20%, just the clothing and like for like sleep system. By the time you add in an extra 100g of down and a warmer jacket etc I reckon it must probably around 10% of total weight (inc worn). I guess I've kinda backtracked there but I didn't really write the way I was thinking.
Not just females, smaller people have lower muscle mass
but yes women tend to have lower muscle density, but that doesn't tell the whole story, especially in terms of endurance and recovery which are much important when hiking...
worth a read. We should also do some reading on centre of gravity and how that influences things
Credit for effort: absolutely, everyone who is getting out whether you're carrying 3kg or 30kg, big, teeny, Male or female or anywhere in between is doing it right imo. If it's more difficult for one person vs another then it doesn't matter as long as they enjoy get what they want out of their experience. It's definitely more difficult for some than it is for others though.