What V_2 said.
From a female perspective, my gender hasn't negatively affected my progression, although it does lead to some comedy moments. One earlier this summer occurred when I checked with security that they would be okay to let my other half on site at a particular gate usually used by the pilots. He is also a pilot, and they assumed that he was the operational pilot and I the guest. When
I put them right they apologised, and explained that I "didn't look like a woman pilot"...!!! Just wondering what a woman pilot does look like?!
You have a while to go yet, but get involved in any aviation you can (I cleaned aeroplanes to get flying time) - join the ATC, go to your nearest flying club / gliding club and see what you can do to build experience.