I do agree that great art transcends gender. I do, however, teach a section of readings in American Lit that deals with women's roles and women's definitions of themselves. I don't do this to indoctrinate, but to create the awareness that literature will respond to various conditions which we socially create, and that two people in the same situation will have radically different approaches.
Women are just one vehicle by which to get there.
Young boys and girls need these definers. I don't think this is political, but it is helpful. The beauty in this list is that it approaches roles in various ways. Germaine Greer is pissed off about sex roles. Emily is more pathetic.