Aimed at “narrowing the gender imbalance in the teaching profession at institutions of higher learning in Liberia”, the Association of University Women Lecturers of Liberia (AUWOL-Liberia) has been launched. Established by like-minded women lecturers, AUWOL-Liberia supports the broader goal of enhancing the professional development of women Lecturers and mentoring other women and girls achieve their career goals, including becoming lecturers, by providing guidance, support, and a sense of belonging.
The women educators believe that “A woman’s pen breaks barriers and unlocks opportunities”, challenging women here, there, or yonder, to believe in themselves and be the best they can be.
Delivering a thought-provoking keynote address at an event which marked the Launching and Fundraising of AUWOL-Liberia held at the University of Liberia Auditorium, Dr. Augurie Stevens delivered a compelling argument for the increased inclusion of women in academia, underscoring the pivotal role female lecturers play in shaping Liberia’s educational landscape.
Dr. Stevens serves as Vice President for Students Support Services at the African Methodist Episcopal University AMEU, she used the occasion and embarked on a thorough exploration of the duties of lecturers, highlighting their influence in shaping the nation’s education system, emphasizing that female lecturers are not merely educators but mentors, researchers, and advocates for gender equity.
“We need female lecturers in Liberia because they play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape,” she stated passionately. “Their presence encourages women’s participation in higher education while fostering a more inclusive academic environment.”
Dr. Stevens also addressed the pressing issue of gender equity within Liberia’s higher education system, stressing that female lecturers must lead efforts to challenge discriminatory practices, advocate for policies supporting women’s academic advancement, and combat sexual harassment, particularly in cases of “sex for grades.” She announced plans to establish women’s forums to provide safe spaces for victims and ensure accountability within academic institutions.
Beyond these roles, she pointed to the legacy of pioneering female educators such as Mary Antoinette Brown Sherman, Africa’s first female university president, and Anna E. Cooper, the University of Liberia’s first female dean. She celebrated contemporary leaders, including Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor and Dr. Layli Maparyan, the university’s current president, as inspirations for young women in academia.
“With awareness, we can implement programs that encourage girls to pursue higher education, promote academic leadership, and advocate for gender equality,” she urged.
Dr. Stevens ended her speech with a call to action, emphasizing the underrepresentation of female lecturers in Liberia and urging institutions and individuals alike to stand behind initiatives promoting women in higher education. She encouraged collaboration to ensure progress toward an equitable educational system that uplifts future generations of female scholars and leaders.
As Liberia seeks ways to strengthen its education sector, Dr. Stevens’ keynote speech serves as a reminder that fostering gender inclusivity in academia is not just a goal, but it is a necessity.
In a stirring address, the President of the University of Liberia Dr. Layli Maparyan, shared personal insights on the challenges and triumphs of women in academia, calling for greater representation and institutional support. She reflected on her own journey, beginning as a female lecturer and later advancing to university leadership.
She recalled her formative years at Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college, where she was instilled with the belief that women “can do anything.” That message, she emphasized, must resonate with Liberia’s female lecturers and students.
The president identified key areas where universities must improve: increasing the number of female lecturers, incorporating women’s contributions into curricula, and ensuring representation in leadership and decision-making roles. She challenged academic departments to assess gender balance, noting that too few women hold Ph.D.s or senior positions.
“Representation is where we start, but it’s not the only place. We must also ensure that our curriculum reflects the contributions of women,” she said.
She also addressed systemic issues, including sexual harassment in academia, calling for strengthened accountability measures and a cultural shift to foster a safe learning and working environment.
“We all know it happens to professors, administrators, and women at every level, and we also know that it’s not right,” she asserted, vowing to enhance policy frameworks that protect women.
In closing, she applauded male colleagues who support gender equity, citing Dr. Alvin Jucia’s effort to recruit an equal number of male and female instructors in his department. She then made two pledges, $500 in personal funds and $500 on behalf of the University of Liberia to be delivered to AUWOL-Liberia, to support initiatives that empower women in academia.
Her address underscored the critical need for systemic change, ensuring that Liberia’s universities become more inclusive and equitable spaces for women pursuing academic careers.
As a network of women academics, AUWOL-Liberia includes educators, administrators, and university presidents that have come together under a powerful new initiative aimed at breaking barriers and fostering mentorship for the next generation of female leaders.
According to Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Liberia, women in academia in Liberia have formed this network to overcome long-standing challenges. She believes that despite their contributions to education, many women face obstacles ranging from balancing family responsibilities to lacking encouragement in their career paths.
“Women uniquely face challenges as academics, many start their careers juggling motherhood and household duties. Some feel discouraged, lacking mentors to boost their confidence. But by coming together, they can see role models who have risen to great heights, pushing them to dream bigger and achieve more.”
For young girls from underprivileged communities, Dr. Taylor states that the message is clear: they are not defined by their circumstances, stating that “being a woman should never be a barrier to achieving great things”. She stressed, “Start with what you have, do your best, and never believe that shortcuts will get you ahead. Dedication and hard work will pave the way for success.”
