I have put thousands of miles on a supposedly "women's specific" Dawes from BD and I love it.
The question isn't how the bike was marketed, the question is whether the bike fits you.
I use a longer stem as @
musicmaster mentioned, above, because usually the biggest difference between "men's" and "women's" bikes is a little top tube, proportionately.
It is a bicycle. If you cannot decide if it suits your needs, A.) leave it for someone who will appreciate it and B.) find what does suit your needs.
If this bike suits your needs .....
Thus ends this installment of "Bicycle Rocket Science Brain Surgery" with your host, Maelochs the Obnoxious. Tune in next week for another interview with Captain Obvious.