A recent manifesto from Women in Games advocates for "rebalancing gender representation and fairness across the industry"
A new manifesto released by Women in Games aims to address gender disparities in the global video game sector, advocating for gender balance and equity.
The organization underscores a significant gap in representation: although women constitute nearly 50% of players, they account for less than a third of the video game workforce. The manifesto calls for equality to be viewed as a necessary and strategic component of the industry's future rather than a mere goal.
The manifesto includes 14 foundational reasons that underscore why advancing women's roles in gaming is crucial, highlighting connections to innovation and cultural impact, among other factors.
- The long-standing marginalization of women in gaming needs changing.
- Cultural equality mirrors equality within games.
- Economic parity for women benefits both business and gaming.
- Change thrives on collaboration.
- Every woman should receive fair treatment, compensation, and opportunities, from education to executive roles.
- Inclusion is essential, not optional.
- Diverse perspectives must shape future technologies.
- Women's imaginative contributions are pivotal to future storytelling.
- Intersectionality is significant.
- The industry must tackle sexism, harassment, and toxicity.
- Fair treatment is integral to wellbeing.
- Diverse teams encourage sustainability.
- Education and mentorship release potential and power.
- Fair practices benefit everyone involved.
The CEO of Women in Games, Dr. Marie-Claire Isaaman, stressed that change is achieved through collective determination and action, stating the manifesto aims to balance representation and ensure women's participatory role in shaping the gaming industry's future.
Isaaman also noted the importance of diverse creators in developing emerging technologies such as AI, virtual realms, and the metaverse. She emphasized that fairness is a strategic choice that, when implemented, results in a thriving industry.
The manifesto is available for download on the Women in Games website.