Hello Julie, welcome to the AWS questions and answers website!
Regarding women in welding, here in Brazil women have been welding for many years now in workshops and construction sites. Welding foremen and plant superintendents say they're better welders than men.
Regarding the propane, years ago there was an explosion of propane usage for oxy-gas welding. The method, however, has been almost abandoned, at least in Brazil. Although cheaper, propane can not compete with dear old acetylene because its flame temperature is lower.
I wish you all the success in the world as a welder.
Giovanni S. Crisi
Sao Paulo - Brazil

Greetings Julie,
I know several female welders, one of them just became an inspector. I think she is doing well, she was a pretty good welder. My experience has been that women usally have more dexterity & patience compared to that of us guys. This was true when I was teaching as well, particularly with GTAW.

Women have been in this trade for years, your research should not take long, and the research itself is a very good project for a novice welder, regardless of gender. Enjoy.