VP Taylor Extolls Opening Of New College At UL

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia says the launch of the Honors College of Research and Interdisciplinary Studies at the State-run University of Liberia is vital to the ongoing debate on gender issues in the country.
The College, according to UL authorities, offers two academic programs—a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gender Studies and a 3-year certificate program in Research Studies.
Making special remarks Friday, September 6, 2019, at the Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia, VP Howard who is a strong advocate for women, expressed her belief that the College when fully operational, will provide a safe space in which the national discourse can be broadened, elevated and substance added to the debate on gender issues.
According to her, though the views on the field of Gender Studies are diverse, they somehow encompass most academic disciplines including history, political science and literature, among others.
VP Howard-Taylor said: “For instance, in Anthropology, sociology and psychology, gender is often studied as a practice, whereas in culture studies representations of gender are more often examined. In politics, gender can be viewed as foundational discourse that state and political actors employ in order to position themselves for advocacy on a variety of issues”.
Commenting further on the College, the Liberian Vice President, according to a release from the office of the Vice President, described it at the nation’s premier institution of learning, the University of Liberia, as monumental milestone achievement.
She further expressed the hope that this discipline of study will open up new views of opportunity for engagement, research study and critical analysis of the ever evolving subject of debate.
Meanwhile, VP Howard-Taylor has paid special tribute to UL Lecturer Madam Sandra Howard and other prominent individuals for their active involvement in the creation of the Ministry of Gender, now called the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
She recalled when she was tasked by the then Head of State in 2000, to formulate a blue print for said endeavor, the first person she contacted was Madam Howard, her Sibling, who provided an extraordinary oversight on the crafting of the Legislative document for the creation of the Ministry Gender.
VP Howard-Taylor recognized Madam Howard in the audience while expressing her gratitude for having a sibling who is always willing to impact others.
The Honors College of Research and Interdisciplinary Studies is headed by Assistant UL Professor Mamawa Freeman-Moore who is also the founding Director of the College.
Several dignitaries, predominantly females, including the Gender Minister Willemina Peso-Tarr and female advocate Telia Urey, among others.