The problem is that unless you are debating transitional deacons & not permanent deacons, & we are not, then it is not a step in the right direction but the opposite.  

We should get rid of any ministry that has only been re-instituted to support clericalism & sexism.  The permanent deaconate, has consisted of 90% white, middle class or wealthier, western, married men, on a global scale for the last 40 years.  Most countries outside of US, Europe & Canada have had lay men & women doing these functions, incl baptisms because they could not afford the costly deaconate.  Seeking women being made perm. deacons instead of demanding women be ordained priests immediately causes us to kick aside laity from work they enjoy, to make the ministry appear necessary, when it isn't.  Time to stand up for equal ordination for women now!!  & not another cage for women.  

Otherwise, the deaconate, which is voiceless & lacking in any authority, just becomes the new face of sexism in Catholicism.