Thanks for your apology. I used the wrong word when I said I never *had* to go to a sex-segregated schoool, I meant to say I never went to a sex-segregated school. I knew buried in the long debate that you had valid points and in an ideal world, yes men and women should be able to work together, play together and communicate with each other. That works really well for people who have no problem dealing directly with people. Male or female, there are people who are not good at that. It’s amazing to see young women come into the work world with a lack of confidence, some of that will change with them once they understand their work environment. I’ve watched it, specifically remembering one lady who seemed pretty insecure, it was surprising to me. With the support of co-workers, more time getting comfortable in the environment, her ability to deal with her colleagues (male and female) was improving and later became impressive. This may have not been the case for you at all where you needed that growing period but sometimes when people enter the workforce, their life experience is pretty green, which could include not being as confident or sure of oneself as you appear to be. My point being that not everyone comes to the workforce or playing field with the same tools but I’d like to be respectful for people who make decisions that are not my own because I think people gain confidence, skills or whatever in their own ways. If that means a sex-segregated forum, go for it. If you think they are non-productive, you are probably right, very much like meetings. (Of course, some meetings are productive; many are time-wasters). It sounds like your firm has the resources to support this womens gathering, which is great, so let them. All the better that they are not mandating that you go. As for your daughter choosing an all-girls school – nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of reasons to choose a sex-segregated school and it doesn’t mean that she is weak and in need of learning how to be confident. I was noting that that is often argued as one possible benefit.