THT: All people in Gilead are controlled by fear. However, women in particular experience this vulnerability. They often face blame for infertility (not considered of Commanders), and can be sent to the Colonies if they do not conceive successfully. They are subject to all forms of surveillance by those around them and punishment by the powerful. At the same time, they have no access to this power and no hope/means of escaping their lack of power.
Young Guardians think of "promotion to the Angels, and being allowed possibly to marry, and then, if they are able to gain enough power and live to be old enough, of being allotted a Handmaid of their own.” (Ch4, pg28)
In contrast, women in Gilead have no such social mobility and no means of gaining power in their society. They will always be classified based on their fertility,"sins" and utility to Gilead.