The Women in Games Manifesto
A call to arms for gender equality & equity for women in games and esports
Women in Games has launched the Women in Games Manifesto. Deeply rooted in the spirit of the suffragist movement, it embodies the collective resolve of Women in Games to promote fairness and gender equality in the games and esports sectors.
50% of the world’s population is women, 50% of players of video games across the world are women and girls, yet only approximately 23% of those who work in the games industry are women.
Women working in the industry are less likely to be in game development and programming roles and less likely to be in senior positions. And only a few studios are owned and run by women.
There are serious challenges in the games sector, with toxicity against girls and women players online and sexual harassment at major corporate events, along with discrimination in the workplace.
72% of female players experience toxicity online with girls and women encountering dark and threatening behaviours – often being aggressively quizzed about their gaming skills, which often leads to more violent verbal abuse and threats of rape.
Women and girls are detrimentally affected by these harmful actions and environments. And, along with the negative press that follows, this affects their mental wellbeing and discourages girls and women from pursuing an education or career in games.
This picture needs urgently repainting. The time for change is now.
Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO, Women in Games