How is that? My late mother in the 50s was a founder member of an anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. She was a stockcar racer (women did not race cars in those days). She was a business owner, and the only woman on several national associations.
I've never had any problem challenging a man. I still do - all the time.
The real issue here is that women are not prepared to face the price they will pay if they stand up to men. For example, I walked out of several jobs rather than face sexual harassment. Many women will put up with it because they are scared it will affect their career if they don't.
It's a choice. Women just don't want to make that choice.