Although the Department of Information Systems faces under-representation of women at all levels (from Bachelor students and up to professors), the topic of gender equality until now has not been extensively discussed or recognised as important and even a certain hostility towards the topic could be observed. It is a common understanding to limit gender inequality to direct discrimination. As direct discrimination does not exist at the Department of Information Systems, it is common to state that gender equality has already been achieved and no further action is required.

Especially worrisome is the negative attitudes of men towards all existing and possible future activities promoting gender equality. As men form the majority, they also have more influence on the course of future action. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the understanding of the importance of gender equality especially among men.

Low interest in the topic of gender equality often stems from the lack of awareness, (a) what gender equality is about, (b) what constitutes gender inequality issues beyond direct discrimination, why it is important to tackle these issues and how, as well as (c) what activities/interventions exist already at the department, university, and country levels.

Especially when it comes to systemic or subtle indirect forms of discrimination, one often needs to be sensitised to recognize them. Raising awareness about the topic of gender equality on all levels could help to raise interest in it and mobilize the potentials needed to make sustainable change possible.

Awareness raising activities need to be incorporated into all implemented interventions aimed at promotion of gender equality.