How one Tomorrow University learner is turning personal challenges into a global mission for safety

Our learner, Noa Priller, a Master of Science in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Technology candidate at Tomorrow University, has been on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and purpose. Recently, she completed a mission identification challenge, a pivotal exercise in defining her personal and professional goals. In this reflection, Noa shares the insights and clarity she gained through the challenge, articulating her commitment to confronting gender-based violence and fostering safer spaces for women worldwide. Her journey is a testament to the power of purpose and her dedication to transforming empathy into meaningful action.

‍What it truly means to feel safe and why it matters

What does it mean to truly feel safe? Imagine a reality where going out doesn’t require a mental checklist—not for fun, but for survival. For me, this question has shaped my purpose and mission, driving my journey to this point. Safety is not just a goal; it is a fundamental right that every woman should experience in all spaces—public, private, or professional. Yet, as too many know firsthand, the systems meant to protect often fall short. My mission is clear: to break the silence on gender-based violence and to transform every space so that all women feel safe, valued, and empowered. This shift is essential, turning whispered fears into a powerful call for lasting change.
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The personal stories that inspired my mission

Reflecting on the experiences of myself, my friends, and family members has been a constant catalyst for my mission. There is something incredibly powerful about hearing someone’s story—acknowledging the courage it takes to speak up and the strength needed to endure. Too often, however, these calls for justice are met with apathy or disbelief. This disconnect drives me to create change, striving to cultivate a culture where every voice is amplified, and respected, and each experience validated.

Unseen struggles: The need for a safe world

In conversations with male friends, I’ve realized that many of them remain unaware of what we experience daily to feel secure. They’re often surprised by the mental checklist we carry for something as simple as a night out—considering what to wear, planning our way home, ensuring our drink is safe, or bringing a friend to ward off harassment. I want to live in a world where safety doesn’t require constant second-guessing. Our lives shouldn’t be organized around “staying safe” in situations that should be free of fear and full of joy.

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The painful experience that reaffirmed my purpose

Recently, I encountered a distressing situation that further highlighted how much work lies ahead. After unknowingly being drugged, I found myself unconscious, vulnerable, and faced with disbelief and dismissive remarks from first responders. Being told, “don’t exaggerate” or “you don’t look properly raped” was shocking and deeply invalidating. This encounter made me question my own experience, a feeling no one should have to endure. Statistics reveal that 1 in 4 women experiences sexual assault by age 18, and 1 in 3 at some point in her life. This painful reality is shared by too many women.

Creating systemic change for gender-based safety

True change goes beyond isolated incidents; it requires a transformation in how authorities, medical staff, and security personnel address these cases. I am committed to establishing standards that ensure victims are met with empathy and respect, treating each incident with the seriousness it deserves. By fostering a cycle of support and understanding rather than silence and fear, we can create real change. One way I aim to help is by developing a digital platform where survivors can share their experiences and data can be collected, giving a voice to unreported stories and highlighting pervasive issues that too often remain hidden.

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How allyship can empower a movement

Creating a safer world requires all of us to see ourselves as part of the solution. While my mission is focused on empowering survivors, I know that allyship plays a critical role. Each of us, in our unique way, can help foster a safer environment. To be effective allies, however, people need information and a chance to fully understand these issues. True change happens when communities, authorities, and individuals come together, embracing empathy and action to build an inclusive, supportive society.

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Empathy in action: How we can all make a difference

My mission is about inspiring others to join this movement. By redefining safety and fostering a culture of accountability, we can transform empathy into meaningful action. No one should feel that constantly managing fear is “normal.” Assessing our safety should not be an everyday task, and it should never be dismissed as “just how things are.” Together, we can redefine what safety means, so no one has to wonder if they will be believed or protected.

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Start making an impact today: Steps you can take

If you’re wondering how to contribute, start by actively engaging with the stories of those around you. Listen, advocate, and raise awareness about the importance of safe spaces for everyone. Reflect on your behavior and the actions of those around you, speaking up when you see harmful behavior. While challenging, sharing stories and breaking the silence are critical steps to reclaiming power and fostering understanding. By making our voices heard, we highlight the urgency of these issues, shining a light on the reality faced by too many in silence.

Noa is one of the many inspiring learners at Tomorrow University, each reaching for their unique purpose and driven by a desire to make a positive impact. In this intake alone, over a hundred passionate individuals like Noa have embarked on their own transformative journeys, each fueled by the shared vision of creating a better world. Their missions deserve celebration, as together, they represent the future of sustainable leadership and impactful change.

Sources

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