There is a "universal motto" that I hear in movies (The Island):
"Do not give your credit card to a woman".
Now seriously, I think that regardless of the country and its feminist policies, I believe that women can earn more than men. The only problem is that "they spend a lot more" because they are more consumers as you mention it.
If you look at the big picture, however, the economy depends of both supply and demand. Without consumption there is no demand for consumer products. And without demand for consumer products, investments will not be profitable. Without profitable investments nobody will be hired.