But here I am in Indonesia right now just south of the equator, and the women are wearing pants. Not all, but most in the city do and nearly none of the locals

But here I am in Indonesia right now just south of the equator, and the women are wearing pants. Not all, but most in the city do and nearly none of the locals wear shorts even to the beach. The point is that your assertion that dresses are more functional than pants is just wrong analogy. Pants offer far more mobility and modesty.