Complementarianism is the idea held in some faiths that men and women play different, complementary roles in life, society and – particularly – religious practice.

Rather than regarding women as essentially inferior or incapable of leading, women are regarded as “equal”. This view is a way of interpreting patriarchal religious doctrines and reconciling their authority with modern sensibilities.

More information: http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/culture/article/2017/01/11/comment-if-churches-believe-gender-equality-why-arent-there-more-female-leaders