The problem with this verse is that there are other ones that seem to contradict it - a common issue with trying to use the Bible as a rule book.

Exodus 15:20 "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand..."

Judges 4:4 " Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading[a] Israel at that time..."

Phoebe was mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:1 to be a servant or “deaconess” who taught in the Cenchreae church.

Junia was considered outstanding by Paul and was among the circle of the apostles (Romans 16:7).

Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11), Nympha (Colossians 4:15), and Apphia (Philemon 1:2) all led house churches.

But you (and your mother) are correct, that Christianity and other kinds of organized religion are a part of the problem when it comes to gender equality.