Acts 21

I believe one of the great challenges in the Church are so called traditions.  We find this in the early days of the restoration where types of worship and music traditions resembled much of the protestant approach.  As the Church grew as a Utah Church, many traditions and practices continue today and shouldn't be expected of members throughout the world.  One of these may be the involvement of women.  I am sure the brethren are always pondering and considering Church policy.

We see this same problem in the early Church -

"...when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come."  (New Testament | Acts 21:17 - 22)

I find it interesting how the brethren counseled Paul.  In order to minimize contention -

"Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law."  (New Testament | Acts 21:23 - 24)

I believe the counsel of the Savior of the Savior in the Americas should always be considered -

"...there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:28 - 30)

I believe that is why James recommended what he did.