How were the medieval Christian Church both limited and protected women?

The medieval Christian Church provided women with certain protections and roles, such as allowing them to become nuns and participate in religious life, which afforded them a degree of respect and authority within the community. However, the Church also imposed limitations by reinforcing patriarchal structures, often relegating women to subordinate roles and restricting their access to education and leadership positions. While some women found empowerment in religious devotion, their overall societal status remained constrained by the Church's teachings and the prevailing cultural norms of the time. Thus, the Church acted as both a refuge and a source of limitation for women in medieval society.