When I was younger I was meant to protect my younger brothers. We lived in a rough area and I was the oldest so it was up to me. I got used to it and I liked the freedom, I could go out and stay out all day. But then my parents took a 180 degrees turn and became so overprotective I couldn't even go out after 4 in the afternoon while the boys were encouraged to go out and act like dicks. It was difficult to get used to considering the freedom I was allowed before that. I think they were just scared I'd go out with boys (religious fear - I wasn't meant to have sex outside of marriage or in fact "see" anyone from outside our culture). Of course I went mental and rebelled and they disowned me etc etc.
As a result of my experience I think I definitely would not protect girls over boys if I ever have kids (which I won't, but just saying).