Orchid, you should stop worrying about her because she is all talk and no action. If she really were unhappy with the situation, she would have changed something about it decades ago. She has changed nothing.

They have a traditional "male rules" marriage. He controls her and tells her what to do (or not.) She does it.

She's frustrated by his unwillingness to change? If she had half a brain in her head, she's be frustrated by HER OWN unwillingness to change, her own tacit acceptance of the status quo which suits him just fine.

Having academic degrees or expertise in a field does not guarantee common sense, or for that matter, a spine.

Sorry Orchid. I know you want to help your friend, but all she does is whine about the situation. She takes no positive steps to change it. She WON'T do anything. This is the bottom line.