Why should they not look at the gender component?
Also the interpretation that it is "discrimination of women" seems dubious. After all, they are probably walking because they don't have to get to work, like the men (including the snowplough drivers). Then you are down to subjective values (not having to work vs slipping on ice and so on). Somehow people have forgotten that working is not an end in itself, but usually a means to support a family.