A woman on board!

Hello everyone, im very soon going to attain classes to one of my country's marine universities as an engineer. The deeper I go into my studies the more in love i feel with the whole concept of working in the engine. Although, I have a question. Im a woman, and I've had dozens of people calling me out, that I'll have a very hard time while on my practice and later on working on ships because apparently boats are a male dominated field. I've heard that i will very often not be respected, accepted and eventually be assaulted.

I would like to ask the experienced men and women on the field about this sensitive subject... Am i really going to have that much of a hard time? I know it depends on the crew I'll be working with but im asking generally... Thanks!