Why are women so catty?

I don't understand it.  Why are women in the South so catty? Why do they enjoy tearing other people down and gossiping behind their back?  I can't stand it.  I was always raised to be honest, trustworthy and if I have a problem with someone or assume they said anything I will go to them and ask directly.  Yes, that's right... someone at work chose to start stupid rumors about me that are obviously not true but they figure will start an uproar.  Once I heard that I headed it off the pass.  I talked to the group directly, cleared it up and today I will talk directly to the individual.  This can not continue!  This is stupid and all it does is hinder the company and progress.  Just do your work!  It's not only work where I've had this happen but at church too.  I think women here are just so insecure that they have to tear anyone else down that seems better than them.  I was actually told that I intimidate others... me.. ha!  Now I have no idea why.  I haven't fired anyone here yet, I haven't yelled at anyone I haven't done anything to make people fear me.  All I do is stand behind the company policies.  What the heck is wrong with that? If someone does not do their job then they should worry but if they are doing their job I have no qualms with them at all.  It's extremely frustrating.  Sometimes I'm embarrassed that I am a women because they can act so badly.  That's all they do here.. if they aren't being catty then they are trying to manipulate their husbands or someone else.  It's terrible!  Who the hell do they think they are stirrup up shit and talking about others and assuming about others?