Buddhism and Sexism

As a woman, I am trying to reconcile the earlier teachings of buddhism with its sexist side that not many talk about: this is the idea that women cannot achieve enlightenment, because they are women, and their best bet is to be reincarnated as men... which seems to contradict the entire philosophy of buddhism itself (lack of self, self-annihilation, lack of ego, lack of separation, lack of labels)... If enlightenment is achieved by getting rid of ego, and self, why is gender identity a barrier for enlightenment, when it's essentially part of ego/self?

I have recently started meditating for the past three weeks, however having learned about Buddha's disparaging view of women:

“Venerable sir, what is the reason that women neither come to the limelight, nor doing an industry see its benefits?”

“Ananda, women are hateful, jealous, miserly and lack wisdom, as a result they neither come to the limelight, nor do an industry and see its benefits.” - AN 4.80

https://bhikkhucintita.wordpress.com/home/topics-in-the-dharma/uposatha-1272012/

it has devastated my ability to to focus and cooperate with meditation or even to be open to buddhist teachings... I feel like I'm just abiding by another archaic patriarchal religious institution that is simply is "spiritually" justifying the subjugation and maltreatment of women. Any help, or feedback would be appreciated.

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submitted by /u/KaelaMB1996
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