How sound is the argument that Quranic texts, such as the verse "but men have a degree over them," indicate that women are inferior to men, and is it permissible to claim their equality despite this?

The texts of the Sacred Law indicate that men and women are equal in some respects and different in others, and this does not diminish the status of women. Absolute equality between them is not correct. However, their equality in being human beings, accountable, with rights and duties, is correct.