Gender Equity at BGU on International Women’s Day

In these fraught times, International Women’s Day 2025 offers an opportunity to take a closer look at the intersection of gender, academia, and society. The ongoing war has exposed the vulnerabilities of women during times of conflict. The academic trajectories of female students and faculty members have been disrupted as they draw on extraordinary mental resilience while balancing studies, research, military service, family care, and community involvement. Many took on central roles in the national effort, without giving up on their academic dreams.

In this context, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, led by the Office for Gender Equity, has continued to pursue its vision of becoming a beacon of gender equity, where equality and excellence reinforce one another.

In recent years, the University has made significant strides in increasing the representation of women in leadership positions and in advancing women in academic faculty roles. Most recently, we established a dedicated tribunal to handle cases of sexual harassment as part of our efforts to create a safe academic environment, which is essential for the full development of our female students and researchers.

In addition, we created support mechanisms such as designated scholarships for doctoral candidates from marginalized and underrepresented groups, established awards for academic staff who promote equitable and inclusive teaching, advanced women's representation at conferences and seminars, and fostered the development of female leadership. All these efforts aim to improve our organizational environment and promote equality within and beyond our university community.

Our work is far from over. To complement our accomplishments on campus, we must raise our voices and act against systemic threats to women’s rights in academia. Israeli academia is under attack by various legislative proposals threatening academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the principle of equality.

International Women’s Day 2025 is a time to renew our commitment to true equality, to equal opportunities, to a more just society, and to the vital role of academia in shaping the path toward a better future. Our goal at BGU is to be the best university for women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals alike: the first choice for everyone as a place to study and work. To achieve this, we must continue to dismantle both visible and invisible barriers, challenge traditional gender norms, and ensure that every woman in academia can fully realize her potential.

Another key objective is to spread the understanding that gender equity benefits everyone, and that men are essential allies who also gain from a more equal society.

We will continue to strive for gender balance in science and in society through close collaboration with the university’s senior leadership, our various faculties, and a wide range of student organizations. We stand united against any form of discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

I welcome your input on any matter that may help us realize our vision, excellence through diversity and gender equity.

Prof. Yael Hashiloni-Dolev
President’s Advisor on Gender Equity

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev recognized by the Council for Higher Education as an institution excelling in gender equity. Read more...

Adapted from an article in issue 144 of Aleph-Bet-Gimmel, the University’s Hebrew language magazine. For the original article.