Where should one begin placing the wood over the deceased in the grave, and does this differ between males and females?

The Shari'ah did not specify a particular direction for starting to place what covers the grave. The apparent ruling is that it begins from whichever direction is easiest. There is no difference between the grave of a male and a female in this regard. It is recommended that the deceased enter the grave from the direction of their feet, if easy, otherwise, from any direction that is easy. It is from the Sunnah to cover the grave with unburnt bricks (labin) or stones. It is disliked to place burnt bricks (ajur), and some scholars disliked placing wood if other materials are available.