I'm not an expert in the area of psychology but I do like to read.  Here's something I learned:

There was a study done using the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator.  It revealed that 2/3 of women excelled in the sterotypical "feminine" qualities like listening, nurturing, compassion, and that 1/3 of men excelled in these same qualities.  Similarly, 2/3 of men excelled in the sterotypical "male" qualities like strength, decisiveness, and being analytical, and 1/3 of women excelled in the same.

Nothing like overhearing a group of women (or men) in a bar having after drinks after work, saying "Men (or women) are like _____". 

Therefore, what is it to be a man?  To be a woman?  We could write volumes on these questions!

Seems to me that the question of deciding to encourage one's daughter to work in IT depends on, what are her aptitudes? 

Paul