Marie-Claire Isaaman
CEO, Women in Games
Despite ongoing efforts, women still only account for 23% of the global industry. To create a fairer and safer place for women in games, men have a vital role to play.
Women in Games is celebrating its 20th anniversary this 2024. We have made great strides in the past two decades. While we remain a micro not-for-profit, we have a global reach and impact, with some 2,000 ambassadors in 77 countries.
Men can advocate for women in games
Despite the impact of our events, campaigns and initiatives — and although women and girls represent 50% of all gamers worldwide — women still make up just 23% of the industry’s workforce. At the same time, they are still facing harassment and even assault online and at industry events.
As we often say, the dial is simply not moving. To truly create a fair and safe space for women in games, we need allies. We need men. Men have the power to be a force for good. They shape the culture, set the standards and influence the experiences of everyone in the industry. They can become powerful allies and champions for change within the industry they love.
Words are important, but true
allyship demands real action.
Beyond awareness: the active ally
Being an ally goes beyond simply nodding in agreement with the need for change. Here are some ways we are suggesting men can step up:
- Amplify women’s voices: Listen actively to their experiences, concerns and ideas. Offer unwavering support; when opportunities arise, advocate for their contributions. Don’t speak over them or interrupt their flow of thought. Promote and champion their work.
- Become an advocate: Educate yourself on the challenges women face within the industry. You could become a Women in Games Ambassador, and attend our events, which will give you a stronger understanding of the challenges facing women.
- Challenge the status quo: Examine the unwritten rules and norms in the industry. Are there ingrained ‘masculine’ traits that contribute to a culture of bias and exclusion? For example, ‘drinks after work’ might not be easy for women with caring responsibilities to attend, which excludes them from important networking time with colleagues.
- Action speaks louder: Words are important, but true allyship demands real action. This could involve intervening when you witness harassment, calling out sexism, actively promoting diversity in hiring practices or mentoring female colleagues.
These relatively small actions can make a big difference to the women who work in games. The industry is a brilliant place to work — full of creativity and passion. Together, we can make it a fairer and safer one for women.
