Islam elevated the status of women from the state in which they were in pre-Islamic Arabia. The most important aspect was that of protection - women were to be protected. However, since Islam was regarded as "perfect and complete", there could be no progress beyond that point.
On the other hand, Christianity and Judaism regarded humans as imperfect, but capable of becoming more perfect. Christianity and Judaism adopted more modern ethical frameworks. Hence, the status of both women and men has progressed from that of Biblical times.
OK - in the year 622 AD Islamists were the equivalent of modern day feminist... I'll give Mrs. Leno that. Just wish she had taken the time to explain her observation was more like a history lesson - and not a backhanded way of insulting Christians and Jews.
I liked your explanation - thanks. Also scanned some of your comments - are you by any chance a non-church-going former Unitarian?