Canal Mechanism.

Whenever I see a canal boat enter a lock, or approach a swing bridge, it amazes me that nine times out of ten, if there are a couple on the boat the woman always operates the heavy gears.
The man steers the craft and then stands back and waits on the boat, usually with a cup of tea in his hand!
Looking at this piece of canal hardware I wonder just how on earth one person can operate it.
Can any ladies please explain why this happens.
(stand back and await the fireworks!)