Again, the point is to encourage dialogue and partnership with all genders. I'm quite impressed with how diverse IRC actually is. And if you're not participating, then you need not worry ;)  It's also another tool for female editors to utilize, and once you show people how to use IRC (I hadn't used it in over 10 years, until yesterday, and all I needed was a little guidance), it's just another place for people to have community.

I just think it'd be cool to have a place called home for those of us interested. Just like we have this mailing list (which seems rather male dominated, too!). :)