Took this one from Brutal SCs, I guessed at D, since first item compared is in the form A [past tense] B, thus the next should also be in the same form. But the answer is E. Any suggestions?

That the new managing editor rose from the publications soft news sections to a leadership position is more of a landmark in the industry than her being a woman.

A. her being a woman
B. being a woman is
C. her womanhood
D. that she was a woman
E. that she is a woman