CHAIRWOMAN’S MESSAGE

Israel is facing turbulent times, confronting multiple fronts and ongoing uncertainty. Despite these challenges, we remain resilient and endeavor to move forward with optimism, adapting, innovating, and enabling our students to continue to thrive. At a time like this, it is essential that we hold on to our most important values, and put them into action for the good of our country, our citizens, and the entire Jewish world. One of the most effective actions we can take to this end is investing in women.

There can be no deep or lasting social change without systemic empowerment of women. Advancing women’s opportunities advances whole communities, economies and societies. Research consistently shows that when women are safer, more independent and better supported, the benefits extend to everyone around them. Yet across society, the gap in gender equality remains wide: in the labor market, in earning potential, at home, in the military and in decision-making circles.

Even in philanthropy, where I have been active for more than two decades, less than two percent of funding for civil society organizations are directed to support women and girls. As a result, thousands of women's organizations, operating in critical areas of violence prevention, employment, representation and leadership, are forced to operate with limited resources. Indeed, as long as discrimination against women is perceived as a "women's problem,” the long-awaited change will not occur. Real progress requires shared responsibility and collective action.

Tel Aviv University is committed to helping drive this change. Led by the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Community, Prof. Neta Ziv, TAU has adopted GENDER@TAU, a robust framework for linking women and gender-related research, academic teaching, and community engagement and partnerships. GENDER@TAU includes a new-and-improved Women’s and Gender Studies Program; enhanced mentoring programs for female students and researchers; and multiple conferences for students, faculty and alumni to learn about and address the triumphs and tribulations of women.

This impact extends well beyond campus: TAU alumni take on a responsibility to use the knowledge, tools and influence they have gained to strengthen Israeli society, uplift those with fewer resources, and promote fairness in decision-making. We see the results of this commitment within our community: at TAU, women are at the forefront of cutting-edge research and represent a growing percentage of University leadership.

This is just one part of TAU’s admirable work in pursuing justice, discovery, and connection — and it is only made possible thanks to our dedicated community of friends and supporters. Each of you has made an impact on real people, in Israel and around the world through contributions to science, to education, to social outreach, to creative pursuits and much more. It is because of your dedication that Tel Aviv University can lead Israel forward with optimism.