Thoughts on being sexism neutral: "I Don't Know: Is There Anything You Can Do?" 14 years ago
You may just be likable as person.
I find often times, regardless of gender, when I like someone as a person before I get an understanding of their skills as a programmer or engineer I'm less critical of their work. When I don't know someone, or even better don't like them, I challenge them to show me their best work.
Of course, well structured criticism is important to grow as a person, the sweet-spot is finding someone you likes you, but is comfortable criticizing you. A really good manager should be this person, they should feel like you fit into their culture when they hire you and they should have a lot to gain from pushing you to do your best work. Of course that's in an ideal world.