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This is a well known problem for many people, male and female. Many students (and teachers) experience it with maths. I got over it by practice and consciously relaxing in these sorts of situations.

I think she's probably making things worse by telling herself it's because she's a woman, but you'll get in trouble if you say that to her.

Edit: and the comments which advocate preparing as thoroughly as possible are good advice.

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Thanks - yes, I agree with the practice and conscious relaxation.

And I do not intend to touch the "because she's a woman" part. Although I have definitely seen that side - things like her idea being accepted by someone only when said more confidently by another group member. Of course that is not just a gender thing, it's also about how to assert yourself in a group containing some dominant people. It's tricky to separate out the "because she's a woman" part from the "because she's not as assertive as needed in that situation" or "because someone else had better timing or communication" part.

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