PRESS RELEASE – LAUNCH OF NEW BOOK ON SAMOAN WOMEN AND RELIGION at NUS

Apia, Samoa – Wednesday 9th October 2024

The National University of Samoa invites the public to a Special Seminar presentation by Dr. Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland (https://interfaithscotland.org) on Thursday 10th October at 12pm in the CSS Seminar Room (Niule’a Building).

Dr. Sier is a graduate of Aberdeen University where she earned First-Class Honors in Cultural History and a PHD in Theology. While undertaking her doctoral research in Samoa, she taught Sociology at the National University of Samoa’s Faculty of Arts. It was during her time in Samoa that she developed her love of community engagement and interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Sier’s doctoral research explored women’s lives in Samoa through the complex interplay of religion, history and culture. During 4 years in Samoa (1997-2001) the research question was asked: ‘What is it about religion in Samoa that empowers women and what constrains them?” The initial answers to this question open doors to rich, engaging, challenging and enlightening lives. They also demonstrate Samoan women’s resilience the way of life.

As part of the Seminar. Dr. Sier will also launch her published thesis, “Women and Religion in Samoa: Empowerment and Constraint”. Copies will be available for purchase directly from the Author. Dr. Sier is in Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia later this month and will facilitate two interfaith services during the event.

END

SOURCE – The National University of Samoa