I've found that women in particular seem to really try to avoid any form of "open conflict" and seem to have a much harder time taking any form of "criticism".

I've found that women in particular seem to really try to avoid any form of "open conflict" and seem to have a much harder time taking any form of "criticism". I'm much, much more likely to feel like I'm walking on eggshells around women, this happens with men also, but more in a personal setting. This combined with the whole metoo movement certainly didn't help women in receiving frank feedback or mentorship.