Mateship has particular meaning in Australia - it is usually used to refer to friendships between men and suggests a code of behaviour where, no matter what, you do not let your friend (mate) down. It is associated with times of adversity like the World War 1 campaigns where Australian soldiers fought together against tremendous odds and in appalling conditions, far from home. When you are in dire straits and all else has failed, the one thing you can still rely on, is your mate. Friendship, I think has the universal meaning and applies equally to men and women.