Hare Krsna.

I'm not the one to explain this issue, but thought perhaps I could offer what I have understood or been taught.

Concerning the phrase that you quote, Srila Prabhupada is referring to observations made by Canakya Pandita. As I understand this purport, it's about women following the proper practices and remaining chaste, avoiding adultery and children born outside of marriage.

When the role the woman performed was in the home, she wasn't necessarily educated in the same way the man was. So it could be true that she didn't have the same knowledge or intelligence as the man.

Here are some other quotes from Srila Prabhupada, concerning women, from his letters (found in the Srila Prabhupada Siksamrta):

So far as girls or boys lecturing in the morning, that doesn't make any difference. Either girl or boy devotees may deliver lecture if they choose to do. We have no such distinction of bodily designations, male or female.

Regarding your questions about the examinations to be given, the girls will also be able to take these. In Krishna Consciousness there is no distinction between girls and boys. The girls also may become preachers if they are able.

Now I see that in our Society the girls are more intelligent than the boys.

Women in our movement can also preach very nicely. Actually male and female bodies, these are just outward designations.

We are Vaisnavas. We are not concerned with male or female position in life. That is simply bodily concept of life.

bhaktincarol