By Sister Mary Fitzgerald, SSND
Every two years, Notre Dame of Maryland University hosts the WOW Festival in Baltimore. WOW stands for Women of the World.
The festival consists of presentations aimed at supporting and facilitating the expansion of influence of women in society.
In the words of NDMU President Marylou Yam, PhD, “The WOW Festival is more than a celebration - it is an opportunity to connect with extraordinary changemakers, innovators, and visionaries who inspire us to transform ideas into lasting impact.”
Among the many offerings were thought-provoking presentations with question-and-answer sessions, a self-care workshop, WOW Sounds (a fusion of poetry, rhythm, and movement), sand art, and many other opportunities for growth and enrichment.
Raising Boys, Leading Change: Men’s Role in Society
I was able to attend the session, “Raising Boys, Leading Change: Men’s Role in Society” presented by Dr. Gary Barker and facilitated by India Gary-Martin.
The conversation allowed participants to explore new approaches to ideas of strength, leadership, responsibility, and agency for boys and men.
As a life-long educator, I was challenged by Dr. Barker’s question: “Educationally, we have designed STEM programs to bridge the gap between boys and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math.
How much have we done to bridge the gap between boys and girls in the arts, the healing arts, education, and child-care?”
Dr. Barker acknowledged that first we need to address pay disparity in the helping professions. He thought there is some movement toward men taking a greater role in child-care. In the past, women needed time to attend to child-care and family issues and this need was perceived as a reason for their receiving lower pay. As this playing field is leveled, perhaps we will see appropriate changes.
I would encourage everyone to watch for the WOW Festival. NDMU will host it again in 2027.
