> "My mum always said that taller women are overlooked because men prefer petite women."

Your mom is wrong (shocking, I know ;-).

Some men prefer petite women, of course, but many like taller women. Tallness is an evolutionary advantageous trait and, therefore, generally appreciated.

Proof: fashion models are always tall, and most men drool over them. Height is part of their allure. After all, a pretty 5' woman is just a pretty woman, while a pretty 6' woman is (for most men)... WOW! :-o

Besides, if female height wouldn't be attractive, why on Earth women would wear such absurdly high heels?!?