[jheriko]

why is this though?

i get your point about 'chaps', its a term only ever used to describe a group of men. with 'man hours' its more difficult because the intent is never to talk about gender, just how much time something takes, and there are not commonly understood alternative terms for this (although maybe we need to pioneer an alternative...).

i'm also curious why you are offput from working with a group that is exclusively men because of the use of this term though? you are assuming its some kind of 'old boys club'. i think this is sexism

the perception of sexism won't go away until these groups get some women in them... i would find it hard to believe that there was a sexist intent behind that statement. it sounds like he is trying to be welcoming in fact... and to encourage diversity by not excluding you from this opportunity for such a weak reason as your gender.

maybe i am missing something obvious...