Q. "Do women really "hold the priesthood" through their husbands?"

A. No, women do not hold the priesthood through their husbands. The following quote by Joseph Fielding Smith explains this further:

Women do not hold the priesthood, but if they are faithful and true they will become priestesses and queens in the kingdom of God, and that implies that they will be given authority. The women do not hold the priesthood with their husbands, but they do reap the benefits coming from that priesthood.

The priesthood is bestowed upon men by God. Once they receive the priesthood, it is their sacred calling and duty to honor and magnify it. Women have been given a different calling. They are chosen by God to be the mothers of men. Is one greater than the other? No, both are equally as important but each has it's own responsibilities and tasks.