The same as it's always been: because we're not wanted there. Selle, Rev. In Jin Moon addressing the 500 women leaders in San Jose, Costa Rica. With American foreign policy in the forefront, Rice's actions impact millions around the world--not just now, but for years to come. 60 Women leaders of North America and Latin America signed the Proclamation together with Rev. I did not have a single boy to distract me from Aldous Huxley, hypotenuses, polypeptides or French verb conjugations. It really isn't worth it. Many were moved by the stories of the women we profiled. Thank you for your powerful report on leading women. The response was so overwhelming that not everyone could fit into the Room of the Americas to participate. I now work as a consultant, teaching leadership skills to women in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and colleges and universities. There have always been plenty of males around the campus, although I don't remember much ogling. I think it is elitist and unfair to say that all women should want or aspire to go to an all-female school. The myths that women were not assertive enough, hadn't been in the pipeline long enough and weren't committed enough were all used to justify the lack of female leadership at the top. But I say these traditional women's roles are the bedrock of civilization. Meanwhile, Rosabeth Moss Kanter's tired arguments that women just don't assert themselves is belied constantly by whistle-blowers who have stuck out their necks to assert corporate ethics. The political effects could include destabilizing the government of our ally, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, and limit the ability of that government to help us fight Al Qaeda. It could be the next "shot heard round the world" and usher in a new era of business stability. As one of the speakers said: "If you want to have something said, ask a man, and if you want to have something done, ask a woman!". Life requires action. Whereas entitled self-congratulation used to be the sole province of successful men, women now have the floor. Our organizing team was surprised by and almost unprepared for the kind of response we received, especially from women leaders in Latin America, who poured in to the last moment. This went on until about midnight. Photos will describe it better than words. Thank you, NEWSWEEK, for sharing with the world the story of these incredible women (and, in particular, my mentor and friend). Right after this session, Ariana and Marco (daughter of Rev. Selle introduced the Bridge of Peace, the signature project of WFWP, which started in Korea and Japan and since has brought together thousands of women of different "enemy" backgrounds. The highlight of the dance by far was the excellent professional solo dance performed by Ariana Moon and Marco, President of the Harvard University Ballroom Dance Club. In Jin Nim then presented her with a "Woman of Distinction" award and commended her and her family for their outstanding service to the United States. A return to all-male and all-female institutions (like the one I attended, which recently became coed) might raise those science and math scores in this country. "Keeping Her Promise To Our Kids" (Periscope, Oct. 3) erroneously stated that 60 percent of the children in Tempe, Ariz., live below the poverty line. It had a lot to do with dance, joy and celebration of womanhood and sisterhood. Even when you change the leader, the stubborn culture can remain exactly the same. When I lived in a girls-only dorm, I found the atmosphere saturated with boy consciousness. I doubt that all students exit "confident of success in whichever fields they chose to enter." You presented such a diverse array of women leaders and allowed them to speak in their own words about their paths to success. Ten couples crossed the bridge, culminating with two young women, Ariana, daughter of In Jin Moon, and a young Costa Rican woman, who together represented the future generations of peace. I applaud Marie Wilson's statement in "When Women Lead" that there is "no real balance of work and family for women in America." I am responding to the genius that is Christine Flowers's article. Today’s leader needs to combine superb communication skills with empathy for those who are listening. The afternoon proceeded with short but juicy and practical presentations by six women leaders regarding how they impacted others in their fields of expertise, from the media, to family values, to the next generation. We were very happy and pleased to also have with us Professor Yeon Ah Choi, Vice President of WFWP International, who addressed the plenary session the next day, and also Mrs. Keun Ryung Park, daughter of the former President of South Korea, Park Chung Hee. Christine Flowers's My Turn reminded me just how puzzled I am that more public high schools are not turning to single-sex education models ("With No Boys to Ogle, We Had Time to Learn," Oct. 24). The women at my own alma mater were also "brilliant, independent and focused." Then Rev. She was our second keynote speaker, and came with her sister-in-law and assistant, Patricia Koch. Flowers is right when she says "schools are designed for academics, not as social clubs... young adults have ample opportunity to interact after class." It didn't describe the intense residential experience, the thrill of doing very hard work and the real camaraderie in the classroom and in seminars. I applaud Christine Flowers and agree with her wholeheartedly. Now it is the responsibility of my generation to follow after them and set the bar even higher. On further reflection, however, I realized that none of the stories deal with the greater paradigm: namely, that women receive recognition only when they excel in male-dominated fields. Many of the women profiled in the pages that followed did not attend elite colleges. I certainly found this to be the case and wonder if all our sons and daughters might find that, with the pressure to interact with each other removed, they might just concentrate a little more on their Langston Hughes. Who are we trying to kid? Christine Flowers's My Turn captured nothing of what I loved about Bryn Mawr College. These are not the images or role models that I want my daughter or any young woman to see. And indeed, the entire weekend was very rich in spirit, warmth, love and joy, and the experience of family!