Authors and their genders

I often wonder what type of authors get more popular. Supposedly one of the reasons why the American publisher changed J.K. Rowling's name from Joanna Rowling to J.K. is because he believed that people would not be accepting of a female author. I think nowadays things have definitely changed. However, like the issue that is the focal point of my series. I get the feeling that people are not really comfortable with women being in charge. Best selling authors are one thing but women who are in power.... Male authors tend to command more respect than females. I think they are also given more rights. However, this is just presumption. What do you think? Do men still rule only because people are afraid to put women in charge.