According to Osho, although Mahavira affirmed radical equality, he structured the sangha around “masculine” qualities—initiative, effort, and total self-reliance. He opposed the “feminine” tendency toward passivity and seeking support. Because his path was rigorously supportless and activist, the nuns’ order—associated with devotional dependency—was sidelined, unless women adopted the active, nondependent stance (as Mallibai did).
He wasn’t against women; he rejected passivity, so a do-it-yourself path naturally sidelined those who waited for support.