Because of a history of domestic ties, women are often seen in homebound roles, York said.

Although she said this perception is changing, York added that women tend to allow men to take over.

"Generally, they are more conciliatory, collaborative by nature," York said. "Women have always struggled with taking credit for something they've done."

Barrett took time to boast of the history of female leadership and the current female-dominated executive branch in Arizona's state government. Women hold the positions of governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer and school superintendent.

She also listed the vast number of foreign countries that have had female heads of state in recent years.

York said one of the biggest differences between the sexes lies in their views on career paths.

"Men know what they want and plan a life pattern to get there," York said. "Women tend to move one step at a time without having a lifetime goal or plan."

Another difficulty women face is reconciling children with a political career, York said. She added that men do not face the same sort of scrutiny in terms of their family life.