By the year 2000, the changes in American Orthodox practices have been dramatic. In all but the most extreme sects, Orthodox girls have b'not mitzvah. Women's Tefillah groups are a part of Orthodox shuls. Women wear tallesim and they read from the Torah. Women's study includes preparation for rabbinic ordination.
Women speak their prayers in normal voices, no longer needing to mumble.
It was only a matter of time before these changes in Orthodox custom would be reflected in Israel, reaching even the Wall. It so happens that I worshipped last Saturday with the Chabad community in the Conejo Valley. Though I sat on the women's side of the mechitzah, I was pleased to find that change had come even to the branch of Judaism whose garb reflects 19th century Poland. The Torah was brought to the women's side and women were allowed to embrace it. The women sang out in their own clear voices.