If you use the Search button near the top of the thread, you can mine the archives for some threads on this topic. I like the fact that Liona Boyd was so highly-regarded during her carreer that she brought both Eric Clapton and David Gilmour on as sidemen for her "Personnae" album. :D

I don't think it's a skill issue. It's the same double standard that distorts any profession. Women are discouraged from 'shining' in the same aggressive way that seems to be perfectly acceptable when men do it. Don't get mad - get better.