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Women in Games is a UK-based non-profit organization with a global influence. Today, they launched the Women in Games Manifesto.
This Manifesto is rooted in suffragist spirit and represents the collective determination of Women in Games in promoting fairness and equality in games and esports.
Women in Games CEO Marie-Claire Isaaman explains why the Manifesto is important: “50% percent of the population of the planet are women. 50% of all video game players are girls and women. Yet only 23% of people who work in games are women.
Women in the gaming industry are less likely than men to hold senior positions and to work in roles such as game programming and development. Only a handful of studios are run and owned by women.
“The games industry faces serious challenges, including toxicity towards girls and women online, sexual harassment during major corporate events and discrimination at the workplace.
“72% female players encounter toxicity online, with girls and women being aggressively questioned about their gaming abilities. This often leads to verbal abuse or threats of rape
“These harmful actions and environments are adversely affecting women and girls. This, coupled with the negative publicity that follows, affects women and girls’ mental health and discourages them from pursuing a career or education in games.
This picture is urgently in need of repainting. “Now is the time to change.”
THE WOMEN in GAMES MANIFESTO
The Manifesto presents a list of “Fourteen reasons for supporting women in games”. The Manifesto calls for the gaming community at large to work together in order to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Women suffragists published a manifesto in the UK 110 years ago: “Fourteen reasons for supporting women’s suffrage”. Women may now have the right to vote, but they still need to do a lot to ensure that women are treated fairly. Women in Games is following in their footsteps with this manifesto.
Fourteen reasons to support women in sports
It is time to act to create an equal playing field for women in the gaming industry.
2. The UN has stated that ‘equality for women in the workplace is good for business.’
3. Collaboration and communication are essential tools for eliminating discrimination.
4. All women in the industry, whether they are working as junior managers or senior executives, deserve fair treatment.
5. Egal pay for all is equal pay for women.
6. We must create an environment where everyone feels welcome in the gaming industry in order to achieve fair play.
7. To be an accurate reflection of the entire world, the games must reflect all the population.
8. It is everyone’s responsibility, especially leaders, to protect the health, safety, and well-being for women.
9. Women are less likely to participate in civilised play communities when there is a toxic environment.
10. Women’s diverse life experiences and professional expertise can lead to more innovative ideas and better games, as well as a more vibrant and rich creative culture.
11. In order to achieve equality, it is necessary to remove the barriers that women face when entering the gaming industry.
12. We can achieve a sustainable future by embracing diversity and gender equality in the games and games industry.
13. Education, training, and professional development are vital to creating a level playing field for women and girls.
14. All of these benefits are a result of a level playing field.
Why the wireframe in games is so flawed
In the gaming community, women and girls are often the target of gender-based toxic behavior both in person and online.
According to the Female Gamers Survey, this type of toxicity is increasing. As a result, many women gamers stop playing their favorite games. 72% of women gamers report experiencing toxicity, which is often dark and threatening. Even more alarming, abuse does not always cease once the player leaves the game. Some cases have serious effects outside gaming. According to the Bryter survey of 2022, one in four women are reluctant to call themselves gamers, and only 38% feel there are enough processes to deal with gaming toxicity.
This year, allegations of discrimination have been made against women who work in the games and esports industries – both globally and within large multinational companies and small studios. There is a culture of harassment and physical violence towards women that extends beyond individual companies or events, such as the recent Game Developers Conference.
GDC’s report 2022 revealed that women’s participation in the gaming industry is extremely low compared to the rest of the world. It has dropped to just 20%. According to Ukie’s research, the UK figure could be as high as 30 percent. However, a lack of understanding about the roles women play in different disciplines and levels can make it difficult to determine their involvement.
In order to bring women’s contributions in the games industry into focus, it is imperative that detailed research be conducted on women’s representation. In order to make women’s work in the games sector visible, it is important to expose gender-based inequalities.
WOMEN IN GAME PLANS TO BRING AROUND CHANGE
Women in Games is a campaign that advocates for women of all genders, including girls, people with diverse gender identities and transgender women. It also promotes a culture of belonging and fairness in the workplace and in play areas.
We focus on critical areas of action that are defined by our priorities, and we give voice to the global community of people who support us.
Women in Games Ambassadors are a dynamic ecosystem that promotes the interests of women in our community.
Our community of active supporters includes over 1,450 individual ambassadors from 70+ countries around the world, as well as over 40 corporate ambassadors and education ambassadors.
We organize global events that provide networking and career opportunities in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.
We publish important publications that offer valuable insights on how to achieve gender equality in the games and esports sector.
Women in Games Global Awards are held annually to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of women in the games industry. We also collaborate with organisations who share our vision in research and development.
Please join us in making change for women and girls around the world.” Join us to make a difference for women and girls in the games and esports sectors. .”
Join the Movement
Women in Games welcomes all stakeholders in the industry to participate, including game companies, associated companies and esports organizations. Everyone can help Women in Games achieve its mission, whether they are Corporate Ambassadors or make individual donations.
To find out more about becoming a Women in Games Individual Ambassador, or a Corporate or Education Ambassador, visit https://www.womeningames .org/ambassadors/
For details on how to support Women in Games, visit https://www.womeningames .org/about-us/donate-2/
