I am woman in mechanical engineering, and I couldn't agree with you more. During my undergrad, I was the only girl in a class of about 100. The environment wasn't "sexist" in that most of the professors didn't treat me differently, and the evaluation was strictly based on merit.
But in general, the environment was designed by men, for men. To give you an example, many IT companies who would come for recruiting would informally present the proximity of their company to a certain loacation where there were plenty of "hot chicks" as a plus point!
Also, it is not pleasant to be a minority, and a girl, in a class of 20-something men. I could not share many of my interests with guys, I could take part in their jokes, and I could do nothing to blend in the class, as I always stood out, and I had a tough time fighting the general "girls are not as good as guys" attitude, and could not not stand so much unwanted male attention.
The point is that, the environment might not be overtly sexist, but it can still difficult for women to flourish if it is designed for men, and does not do enough to make the women feel comfortable.
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But in general, the environment was designed by men, for men. To give you an example, many IT companies who would come for recruiting would informally present the proximity of their company to a certain loacation where there were plenty of "hot chicks" as a plus point! Also, it is not pleasant to be a minority, and a girl, in a class of 20-something men. I could not share many of my interests with guys, I could take part in their jokes, and I could do nothing to blend in the class, as I always stood out, and I had a tough time fighting the general "girls are not as good as guys" attitude, and could not not stand so much unwanted male attention.
The point is that, the environment might not be overtly sexist, but it can still difficult for women to flourish if it is designed for men, and does not do enough to make the women feel comfortable.