I think 'girl' is possibly more of a patronising term, for those who had to fight for the kinds of equality which my generation now take for granted. I personally don't object to certain casual references to my gender depending on context. But then I don't have to poke up with men in a work environment patting me on the bum and telling me to go and make everyone a cuppa dear. I do however have to poke up with guy (wannabe) 'mates' insisting on hugging me and calling me 'hun/babe etc.' - just like one of *the girls*. Not sure which is worse.