The "historic tradition" reflects the cultures at the time the "traditions" were established.  The Church organized itself and created governance structures that reflected the structures of other institutions of the times in which it came to power and grew in power.  There is nothing sacred about the structure of popes, cardinals, bishops, priests with the serf-laity being powerless.  It was the culture.

It matters now that the roles of men and women in society are far more equal than they were in the past.  It also matters that acceptable forms of governance are no longer based on some assumption of “divine right” of a few God selected men, but includes those who are governed in choosing who is to lead them and in setting the rules under which they live.  

The Church needs to include not just women in all levels of management and service in the Church, but laity as well, in a participative governance structure. Doesn't have to be majority rule - but it does need to be participative.