Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is striving for equal opportunity and balanced gender representation in all areas. To that end, the University’s faculty senate made several historic decisions during its meeting this week:
1) Reduced teaching hours after maternity leave.
2) Departmental seminars and meetings will be held until 3:30 PM.
3) Balanced gender representation (50:50) on all the University’s central committees.
The third item is of particular significance because it is the first time an Israeli university has enacted such a gender-balanced policy regarding its major committees such as the: Senior Appointments Committee, Absorption Committee, Charter Committee and more.
Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, “Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is committed to gender equity – so much so that we included it in our strategic plan. We are striving for an atmosphere that supports both families and research excellence. These decisions are additional steps towards our goal.”
Dr. Hila Riemer (pictured above), the President’s Gender Equity Advisor, “This initiative is part of the strategic plan to advance gender equity by removing barriers and narrowing gender gaps. We believe in uncompromising excellence combined with social responsibility and I am proud of the members of the faculty senate who supported this issue. This is an important precedent for other institutions of higher education and in general. Together, in solidarity, in friendship and through committed action, we have tremendous power to create change.”
