The Short Version
No peer-reviewed evidence supports the claim that the Romanian deadlift provides greater benefits for women compared to other exercises. A systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that males and females adapt to resistance training with similar effect sizes, undermining any sex-specific superiority argument. Peer-reviewed studies show other exercises — including the barbell hip thrust and Roman chair back extension — match or exceed the RDL for the very muscles most often cited as reasons it benefits women. The claim relies entirely on non-scientific fitness publications.