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11 July 2018 Photo Johan Roux
GLS explores global view on gender and intersectionality
Students share their views on hard- hitting global issues

Race, gender, and inequality, a sharp focus in modern society, was discussed at the first session of day two of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), on 10 July 2018. A panel discussion was led by Prof Ahmed Bawa, CEO of Universities South Africa and Prof Danie Brand, Director: Free State Centre for Human Rights at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Identity and gender issues important to youth
During the panel discussion, Dr Yvonne L Terrell-Powell from Edmond Community College, Seattle, in the US, spoke on the expectations put on first-generation students as they enter the higher education space. “In the United States when I was a student, in predominantly black universities, the expectation was to be involved in civic and political engagements, and not to only study.” Intersectionality was discussed and how identity is used as a criterion for exclusion, marginalisation and the perpetuation of all forms of “isms” and disregard of minority groups such as LGBTIQ+ communities. Other panellists included Pura Mgolombane, Dean of Student Affairs at UFS, Dr Vivienne Felix, Director: Experiential Learning, New York University, Margo Van Muylder, a student from the University of Antwerp, and Dr Segun Obadire, Director of International Relations at University of Venda.

Delegates were entertained by an Arts and Social Justice Theatre Production Psalm 69 and a play named Cosmology and Culture; Patriarchy. A dialogue on the play ensued between the audience and members of the cast who discussed abuse of women and the disabled, and the role of men, with experiences shared from a global perspective.

Reconciliation and transformation give hope
The second session commenced with a panel discussion on reconciliation and transformation titled “Stepping up and committing to change: A vision for the youth in terms of socio-economic reconciliation and transformation”. The session was moderated by Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, alongside Dr Glen Taylor Senior Director: Research Development at UFS, with panellists from various sectors such as business, student leaders, human rights organisations and the Bloemfontein Business Chamber.
 
Ndaba Ntsele, Executive Chairman of Pamodzi Group and former UFS Council member and panellist spoke of the ability to overcome challenges that can hold one back. “You need to decolonise and detribalise yourself, see yourself first as a human being, never fear or feel that your background can hold you back.” Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director: Directorate Research Development, spoke of the impact of research that is being produced at UFS. “Instead of the number of articles published, we need to ask what the impact is of our research in society.”

The summit is a joint programme between the UFS International Office, Student Affairs and the Institute of Reconciliation and Social Justice. It will continue with more panel discussions, robust engagements and more activities until 14 July. The programme includes an excursion to Kimberley and the Galeshewe township in Northern Cape. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend the annual Vrystaat Kunstefees/Free State Arts Festival which will be held on the Bloemfontein Campus from 10-14 July, as well as other African theatre productions.

News Archive

UFS appoints new head for Research Commercialisation and Business Development
2009-02-27

The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Dr Glen Taylor (pictured) as the new head of the Office for Research Commercialisation and Business Development.

The purpose of this new office is to optimize the commercialization of innovation and intellectual property at the UFS.

According to Dr Taylor, the core function of this office is to establish a sustainable third stream of income from intellectual property in order to diversify the funding base of the University. In essence, the office is responsible for the facilitation of technology transfer.

Aside from the normal aspects associated with technology transfer, such as innovation disclosure, intellectual property protection (patenting) and licensing, a rather broader approach of transferring knowledge to a user in society will also be sought.

“It is evident that the funding environment has changed significantly due to a shift in priorities from public funded agencies, which have impacted hugely on tertiary education,” said Dr Taylor. “Furthermore, due to the changes in the state funding of universities, there is more pressure on these institutions to become financially self-sufficient.”

“So in the light of these challenges, universities as generators of knowledge have a fundamental role to play in the knowledge society, and through the process of innovation and intellectual property development there must be value to the institutions and the individuals.”

Dr Taylor is the former Head of the Department of Agricultural Management and manager of research, technology and innovation activities on the George Campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

The Office for Research Commercialisation and Business Development was established at the beginning of 2009.

26 February 2009
 

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