Women in Games, a UK-based not-for-profit organisation with a worldwide influence, today launches the Women in Games Manifesto.
This Manifesto, deeply rooted in the spirit of the suffragist movement, embodies the collective resolve of Women in Games to promote fairness and gender equality in the games and esports sectors.
Women in Games CEO Marie-Claire Isaaman explains the importance of the Manifesto’s launch: “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.
Fourteen Reasons for supporting Women in Games
1 Because women have long been marginalised in the games industry, and it is past time to take action to create a fair playing field.
2. Because ‘women’s economic equality is good for business’ (UN, 2023).
3. Because advocating through collaboration and communication are fundamental tools in the struggle to eliminate discrimination.
4. Because all women working in the industry deserve to be fairly treated at all levels, from content creation to leading development teams, and from junior to senior management.
5. Because equal pay for all means equal pay for women.
6. Because in order to make the games industry a place of fair play, we must foster an environment in which everyone belongs.
7. Because to aspire to be a fair reflection of the whole world, games must fairly reflect the world’s whole population.
8. Because sexism and harassment are a scourge on the face of the games industry, and it falls to everyone, particularly leaders, to ensure the health, safety and well-being of women.
9. Because toxic play environments prevent women from participating in civilised communities of play.
10. Because women’s life experiences and professional expertise are wildly diverse, bringing more innovative ideas, developing better games and a richer, more vibrant creative culture for everyone.
11. Because in order to achieve fairness, the tangible barriers that prevent women from entering the games industry must be removed.
12. Because embracing gender equality and diversity in games and the games industry will bring about a sustainable future.
13. Because education, training and professional development for girls and women are essential to bringing about a fair playing field.
14. Because – to summarise all of these reasons – a fair playing field benefits all.
