I believe that women do have equal rights and opportunities. When my mother left school, there were few options open to her - nurse, secretary, teacher or mother. It was still a rarity for women to have a university education. I am lucky in the sense that I have a great career, where women are treated as equals to men. Indeed, I actually find feminine charms help some days.
As to whether a woman could be a hod carrier - no reason why not - in fact the building site opposite me employs at least two women brickies. Although why she would want to when she could claim "naff off that's a blokes job" is beyond me.