Countries like Saudi Arabia are actually fairly unique when it comes to Islamic history. Females, like Aisha RA, were always allowed to ride their own steeds/etc, the driving ban is just something completely new. Literally no other country, not Iran, not Pakistan, not anyone, enforces things like that.

Otherwise, historically, Muslim societies have viewed Khadijah RA (and Aisha RA, as well as a few other female Muslim generals during the Umayyads/Rashidun caliphates) very, very positively.

The second part of your question might be better suited to ask /r/islam

Nope. Women (especially sahabiya (female's who knew the Prophet saws)) Were well respected and learned. Many of the classical scholars learned from Aisha (ra). And she is one of the major sources for Hadith (the saying/teachings of the Prophet). They weren't downplayed because those sahabiya were political giants (like the males also). Their words were law. Once the Caliph Umar and his council was discussing the dowry (from male to females as islamic custom) and they agreed that it should be lowered. However, a women came in and said that they were wrong and quoted and verse of the Quran. He said "Umar is wrong and you are right". Another story about him is that once he was marching his army. But an old women came to him. He stopped the whole army and did what she wanted for him. They asked why and he said God sent relevation because she complained about how her husband treated her. (long story short her husband and her were an older couple. He said to her "you are like my mother (not exact qoute but translating is hard)" meaning he had no sexual desire for her. She swore that he was unlawful to her unless God sent down something (in a legal sense paused the marriage contract) She complained to the Prophet saws and he said just forgive her. She was satisfied with the answer but she wanted revelation. While she was walking out the door these verses were

(Indeed Allâh has heard the statement of her (Khaulah bint Tha'labah) that disputes with you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning her husband (Aus bin As¬Sâmit), and complains to Allâh. And Allâh hears the argument between you both. Verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Seer. (1) Those among you who make their wives unlawful to them by (Zihâr) (i.e. by saying to them "You are like my mother's back.") they cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an ill word and a lie. And verily, Allâh is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. (2) And those who make unlawful to them their wives by Zihâr and wish to free themselves from what they uttered, (the penalty) in that case is the freeing of a slave before they touch each other. That is an admonition to you (so that you may not repeat such an ill thing). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do. (3) And he who finds not (the money for freeing a slave) must fast two successive months before they both touch each other. And he who is unable to do so, should feed sixty Miskîns (poor). That is in order that you may have perfect Faith in Allâh and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allâh. And for disbelievers, there is a painful torment.)

I can give you books upon books, but it's very evident women had high positions in early Islam. Wether they were sahabiya or not they were considered very honorable. And the main Caliphs and Imans in the early history (which is where Muslims are suppose to derive their religious customs and rules) are filled with them being respected. The Imans of the 4 schools of thought and others scholars were known for respecting women and taking their situations seriously. You even see in very old traditions the idea of Women are to respected is still there. The abuse Muslim women are going through is more of a present day (last 200-300) issue that wasn't seen in the first place. Even in societies like Mauritania and Somalia old tribes that have kept their traditional customs have this view of them of not just equal but a little more because of the respect these societies have for mothers. But with the introduction of tribalistic and external influences they have gotten harsher on the Women. One scholar said that 100 years ago people were more lax with laws. But to justify their rule most societies have become anti western so to prove it they took back some customs they had. The abuse of women was more of a backlash on western culture. So much so they even forgoed the rights their grandmothers had before.

But i'm a student and this is what I was able to pick up. I could be wrong (about the reasons but I have credible sources of how sahabiya were treated.)