How do you get a female starter in Pokemon Ruby?

Answer 1

To get a female starter, you can save right before you save Prof Birch from the Poochyena attack. And pick the starter you want. there's a 12.5% chance it'll be female. If it isn't, soft reset it with L+A+Start+Select (I believe) and reset it til you get a female.

Actually, to soft reset, you must press A+B+Start+Select. You should save right next to the bag, then press A after you save. Choose the starter, then, when you enter battle, check if it's a male of female. If it's a male, soft reset and try again.