The project “BEAM” (Belonging, Empowerment, Access & Mentorship), part of the Women+ in Information Systems Initiative, was awarded the 2025 Gender Equality Award at the New Year’s Reception of the University of Münster. The prize is awarded every two years by the Rectorate and recognizes projects that make an outstanding contribution to equal opportunities and gender equality.

This year, the Gender Equality Award was split between two projects, with each project receiving €10,000: the “Administrative Professionals Day Empowerment Program for University Secretariats” from the SUN – Office Network, and the BEAM project, which will use the funding to further implement and expand their activities.

BEAM is part of the newly established Women+ in Information Systems Initiative, founded by Fumi Kurihara (Assistant Professor at the Department of Information Systems). The initiative is dedicated to empowering female students in Information Systems and fostering a strong sense of community from the start of their studies. It aims to help students make their time in Information Systems feel more connected, supportive, and inspiring. The initiative aims to foster environments where friendships can flourish, ideas can evolve, and future paths can emerge together.

As part of BEAM, a variety of formats are planned, including mentoring programs, workshops, networking events, panel discussions, and informal meetings. These activities aim to address three key challenges: 1. lack of role models, 2. limited self-confidence, and 3. experiences of isolation.

Women+ welcomes everyone who wants to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive Information Systems community. The initiative is built on the belief that meaningful progress toward gender diversity is only possible when students of all genders are included, and all voices are heard.

Links related to this news:

More information about Women+ in Information Systems

Video of the 2025 Gender Equality Award+

More information about the Gender Equality Award

Fumi Kurihara receiving the Gender Equality Award (© Uni Münster - Thomas Mohn).

© Uni Münster - Peter Leßmann