A student sitting next to you in your college math class says that it is funny to see so many women taking a college-level calculus class. Given what you know about gender-differences in mathematical ability, what would you say to this student?

What will be an ideal response?

A good answer will be similar to the following:
Over 25 years ago, researchers found gender differences in math skills between males and females. Over the past 30 years, these differences have diminished substantially due to efforts to encourage girls to pursue mathematics in generally and to take more math courses specifically. In fact, American boys and girls are now equally likely to take calculus courses in high school. And, if you look at cross-cultural studies, girls will perform at the same level as their male classmates when they are encouraged to succeed, are given the necessary educational tools, and have visible female role models excelling in mathematics.