Bike racers are often encouraged to train riding in lower gears at a higher cadence for as long as they can, especially early in the season--the higher the cadence the better for encouraging "leg speed", the ability to hold any gear at a high cadence when it matters in a race. When I was racing for a good local road team years ago, we weren't "allowed" to use our big chainring til we had several hundred miles under our wheels in the 39.
Look at how Lance Armstrong or any of the elite pro MEN ride: very rarely do you see anyone riding at less than 80-85 rpm. Most ride closer to 100 rpm.
This is definitely not a gender thing. As biciclista pointed out, it has more to do with personal style and fitness.