I played American football for 8 years and I have lifted weights for 20+ years. I preach deadlifts to any male hacker and/or office worker who will listen. To the women, I preach kettlebell swings.
A woman's 1RM is a lower percentage of her body weight than a man's (on any exercise, on average), but she will usually be able to do more reps at e.g. 70% of 1RM.
So it makes sense to exercise that higher endurance, and kettlebells are very nice for their mix of strength/endurance work.
(I'm male and love both the barbell and the kettlebell).