This statement is like *really* controversial, even among Muslims, especially among women. I recently had a bit of a discussion with someone over this very ayat from the Qur'an.
I admit, there have been some clumsy explanations given by certain misinformed people or perhaps the idea that Islam is a misogynistic religion is so established in people's minds they take offence when the differences between men and women are pointed out when they might not have jumped to conclusions so quickly.
But, the truth is, men and women are inherently and beautifully different. We are equal, but at the same time very different, and sometimes it's beyond me why some people insist on wanting to remove all of those God-given differences and removing the inherent qualities we're all given. And you only need to study a little further to see the status Islam has given women, and the equality she has with men in terms of religious duties or worldly importance, and dare I say many times I think women are given more privileges.
Of course, it is a man's duty to protect and safeguard (mind, not oppress and control) the women of his family - it's a very natural feeling (I would think) and so long as he does it with justice and consideration it's an extremely noble thing. There's honestly no reason to throw up your arms in horror when it's suggested men should take care of their women. And a woman has her fair share of duties and responsibilities Islam expects her to uphold.
Okay that's my essay done

.