The fact that things have changed not a bit since I was racing 20 years ago, really points to there being a cause and effect relationship, IMO.

OTOH, at least in those days, when there was a separate women's race, it was just that: a women's race. So the cat 4's like me were thrown in with the Pro/1/2 riders. Typically I'd do better in a mixed cat 4/C race than in a women's race where I was completely outclassed.

It never rankled so much as the day I finished third overall in a local TT. There were awards for three places for men, but only one for women. Perpetually second to another woman on my team, I got no recognition, while the male who finished fifth overall got a third place trophy.

Good luck with your efforts. It's long past time for things to change.