How does religion get in the way of equality for women?

The roles of women in biblical times came in many forms including birthing and raising the children, cooking, cleaning, and overall servant to the husband.  These roles were taught, understood, and followed through the teachings of religion in the holy books of each religion including the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran.  Throughout the previous centuries religion has magnified the traditional roles of women and thus a patriarchal rule was adapted for each religion.  Although, now a days women's rights over equality have been fought for in all aspects of life, nevertheless, the same words are still written in each holy book.  Indeed, each holy book can be interpreted differently, but I feel the reason why religion may come in the way of equality for women could stem from the way in which each individual religion interprets what womens roles are in society.  I feel strongly that the rights of women should be equal to those of men because in order to produce human life it takes an equal portion of chromosomes from both the woman and the man.  Thus religion should not get in the way of equality, but support it with full intentions of improvement.