Systems like this are pretty common in programs where one gender greatly outnumbers the other (such as eSports). At my university, which is mostly (75%) men, br

Systems like this are pretty common in programs where one gender greatly outnumbers the other (such as eSports). At my university, which is mostly (75%) men, broomball is a popular sport among students. Within our broomball organization, there was a main league (for men or women) and a women's only league. The main purpose of the women's league was to get them involved in a male-dominated sport in a way that makes them feel more comfortable. In the case of Hearthstone, the main tournaments are primarily men anyway. So having the women's league in addition to the mixed league will help women get involved in the activity. As the gender gap gets closer to 50-50, the need for the women's league decline and they could consider switching to a mixed only league.