I am male engineer and I often get same treatment. I consider myself quite experienced, often more experienced than people getting preference. What I lack often

I am male engineer and I often get same treatment. I consider myself quite experienced, often more experienced than people getting preference. What I lack often is ability (and willingness nowaday) to prove myself in the eyes of others. Solution to that - side projects, businesses (which are still being dismissed by majority of people I know,) etc. If anything - it made me more resilient (but also pissed off often :))