Regarding the position of women, many of the seers (Rishi) of the vedas were women. I guess the position of women in Ancient India was similar to pre-islamic Arabia, baby daughters were buried but powerful women like Khajida also existed.
No. There weren't. Females cannot be Sages.
Not to even speak of the fact that
1) females were not allowed access to revealed scriptures
2) females were not allowed to initiate prayers or recite hymns in a gathering that includes males
3) females were not allowed to bear law
4) females were not allowed to perform rituals that were exclusively spiritual
Ancient Vedic society was patriarchal, especially in matters of religion.
Which is a good thing if you ask me. Females should be relieved off, the fuss of 'sprituality' and all that nonsense.However there are instances in the Vedas, of the Sage's wives having conversations with them or others. Interestingly this too is only so after their wives initiate them into doing so by first asking profound questions i.e displaying intelligence and eagerness for wisdom.
(genuinely)intelligent women are hard to find. 
*sigh*
Celestial nymphs often tried to seduce the Sages in order to break them of their austerities.
Sages were men who were supposed to have a strong sense of control over their own passions. Sages were ascetics during certain periods of their lives. This cannot be, if they were females.
It is very difficult for a woman to do without a male, providing her sexual, emotional-psychological and economical needs. Especially so in those ancient times. Women need a male figure to be their source of comfort and security. Some women tend to want them from two seperate males. Geek friend to pour out to. And a randomn stud for security.
I can't be either of the two because I need a female who
I can pour out to
myself (considering I tend to perceive things deeply)
and also her being the same female figure to relate to sexually thoroughly. I look at sex as a matter of skill.(that's how the Sages saw - Kama Sutra etc) But sex that is without any type of connection is not the most enjoyable or noble.
Because sometimes you talk to her emotionally about important and personal decisions or experiences in life, and then your eyes dazzle under the moonlight and you look into her eyes... you feel a deep connection and romantic...
I guess you can call me as a loser or whatever, but I need a lover who is also a mother, sister and friend.
Mother - you lie on her lap and she brushes her fingers against your hair and offers sweet words
Sister - her being stubborn and feisty and throws tantrums and have playful arguments
Friend - to have long and deep conversations with and she being interesting to listen to (often you have to bite your teeth when listening to attractive females talk
)
And a man's standards is based upon the type of women he has intimacies with.
Why?
Men are "weaker" when it comes to sexuality. Men's needs are stronger sexually compared to women's. Men's sexual impulses drive them more, a man gets more easily attracted to the opposite gender. Men tend to have more frequent urges that compel them to seek females. And men tend to be attracted to more females simultaneously. Sex also is more pleasurable and satisfying for males.
Any man can find himself a prostitute. That puts you in the category of the average wanker.
The man who restricts himself to a proper suitable woman is the one who has a mastery over himself.
Topic: Why did the main Prophets only come from the Middle East?