Real men are protectors.

DALE: So we could’ve elected a new guy, so to speak.  Or we could just fend for ourselves, make our own decisions—do whatever when things had to be decided—play it by ear, y’know.  Nobody went for that, surprisingly.  We picked something more democratic.  Four guys with equal votes.

RICK: No women?

DALE: No.  That’s how they wanted it.  Patricia said something.  She wanted Lori on the committee instead of you.  Of course, as soon as she realized no one else, including Lori, agreed with her—she shut up.  I don’t know how Michonne really feels about it.  She’s just happy to be here.  She went through hell out there a lot longer than any of us.  Lori, Carol, Andrea, Maggie—they all said they wanted us in charge.  They figure the four of us have pretty much been making the decisions anyway—but making it official would lift some of the burden off you.  But yeah, they’re fine with us making the decisions.  Truth be told it’s not just the women.  Glenn feels the same way.  I think they just want to be protected.

Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead: Book Two, 2008.