The Founder of the Association of Women Lecturers of Liberia (AUWOL), Dr. Edna Johnny has alarmed over female teachers being under represented in the education sector.
Giving an overview of the Association during its Mentees and Mentors Joint Retreat at the weekend, Dr. Johnny said female lecturers have not been given much attention in the teaching field, stressing that the organization is formed to unite female lecturers and address the challenges they face in the teaching profession.
During the retreat held at the Baptist Youth Camp, RIA Highway in Paynesville, the veteran educator noted that her position is to ensure that women are recognized in their respective universities and not only in the kindergarten division or grade school.
The Association of Women Lecturers of Liberia is a conglomeration of female teachers from the University of Liberia and all private universities across the country, and it was established at the University of Liberia on August 24, 2022 by Dr. Johnny, who is also the President of the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA).
Dr. Johnny indicated that according to a survey conducted, women only constitute 11% of the total data in the education system at the high school level, stressing that this is even lower at the university level.
She said the potential of women is always overlooked in the teaching field, adding that this is not only unique to the University of Liberia but other private institutions in the country.
The AUWOL Boss indicated that like the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia has done by putting themselves together, it was important to have birthed the Association of Women Lecturers of Liberia to cater to its members.
According to her, the organization cannot be stronger with the lower number of female lecturers at the UL but by bringing on board other lecturers from private universities, noting that it can be vibrant with the support of everyone, despite her position as the vision bearer.
Also speaking, Madam Florence B. Koroma, Dean, Bishop Collins Teacher College, Stella Maris Polytechnic University, said it was now time for female lecturers to help themselves and come together to help others in the field.
Madam Koroma also called on the Liberian government to support female lecturers by providing them foreign scholarship opportunities to advance their human capacity.
At the same time, Madam Angeline C. Major, Lecturer at the United Methodist University Joseph Jenkins Roberts Education College, told the gathering that there have been many challenges which hinder female lecturers.
She said they feel intimidated and overlooked by male lecturers at their various universities.
