The names given to positions of power and authority, like "chairman" and "policeman," often emphasize the male gender. why does this matter?

I believe that this should not matter. Being called a policeman if you are a woman should not dictate the way you do your work. To many people, they prefer to be addressed as their career plus their gender to show equality. I personally don’t have a preference towards being called a saleswoman, even thought I am one. I believe that this topic can be considered controversial and it really depends on the point of view you bring to the topic.