Jesus had minimal contact with females. Other than visiting Mary/Martha, other than healing a few, he had nothing beyond passing contact. His disciples were all males (understandable for the era). Granted, there were two women allowed to find him risen.
But still, it was like they were on the outside looking in.
And again, they were the black and white "virgin/whore" that is in the writings of the bible. It's narrow, simple....submit, be there, be good and no more.
A woman couldn't have gotten away with Peter's behavior, a woman wouldn't have been allowed to have been like Saul then Paul. A woman is either mother, saint, demon and temptress. But they have not of the facets or problems or thought or dreams like the great men do.....A woman didn't write or compliate the books of the bible, and it's very evident.
As for Paul not being real happy about women, and feeling very uncomfortable around them, it's pretty evident in his writings.
As for the church and what it does for you....Great for you!
The church never was a source of encouragement, nor did it assist me as well in my daily living as other pursuits, nor did it ever, EVER give me a feeling of being found after being lost....I stayed lost, from birth until I left.
When I left, I started finding my soul. I stopped trying to wear those size 4 shoes. It's not a 'one size fits all' religion.