The incidence of chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide, which greatly increases the risk of end-stage renal disease. It is particularly important to find out the risk factors for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Whether gender is a risk factor for the progression of kidney disease remains controversial with inconsistent results in human cohort studies with diabetic or non-diabetic kidney disease. In most of the studies, women seem to exhibit certain gender advantages. Sex hormones, renal hemodynamics and lifestyle differences may play an important role. The underlying mechanism of gender affecting the progression of kidney disease deserves further exploration. This article reviews the gender differences and possible mechanisms in diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, in order to provide reference for future research.