Promoting gender diversity and inclusion in gaming: Insights from industry experts
The BIS SiGMA Americas event kicked off yesterday with a panel discussion led by several prominent women in the gaming sector. Held at the Hilton Morumbi, and hosted by Lilly Douse, the panel discussion delved into several crucial aspects of gender diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. Panellists included Heloisa Passos, Founder and CEO at Trexx, Fabiola Jaeger, CEO at Caleta Gaming, Liudmila Schirmer, Affiliate Manager at Booming Games, Jennifer Innes, CEO at BettingJobs, Antonella Lorenzetti, Head of Marketing at Nonocosmos GmbH, Luciana Hendrich, Partner and Lawyer at Hendrich Advocates, Barbara Teles, Lawyer at Rei do Pitaco, Olivia Panhoca, Head of Operations and Affiliation for Latam at Novibet, Helen Walton, CCO at G Games, Frances Kintana, HR Director at Blaze, and Carla Souter, Senior Consultant at BettingJobs.
Firstly, there was a focus on the strategies to attract and retain female talent in technology-related roles, especially in regions like the UK, Spain, and India. Flexible working hours, unlimited holidays, and creating a supportive company culture were highlighted as effective retention measures.
The BIS SiGMA Americas conference takes place at the Transamerica expo centre between 24th and 25th.
Initiatives to support women in gaming, such as graduate programs, mentorship schemes, and training initiatives, were discussed. These programs aim to introduce more women to the gaming industry and provide them with the necessary support for career advancement.
The importance of creating inclusive gaming content without resorting to gender stereotypes was emphasized. Understanding the preferences and behavior of female gamers through data analysis is crucial for designing games and platforms that cater to their needs.
Additionally, there was a discussion on inclusion policies and best practices, with an emphasis on the importance of awareness and understanding of cultural differences within organisations. The need for safe spaces where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees feel empowered to speak up was highlighted as a key aspect of fostering inclusion.
Overall, the panelists shared valuable insights and experiences aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Here were some of the main points that emerged:
Bringing Value to the Table
Emphasize the importance of learning from every outcome, whether positive or negative. Acknowledge that growth can result from both personal improvement and recognizing when an environment may not be suitable.
Staying True to Yourself
Highlight the significance of embracing one’s unique qualities and not trying to conform to stereotypes or mimic others, especially in leadership roles.
Developing Skills
Encourage women to invest in developing soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and networking, which are invaluable in any industry.
Seeking Mentorship
Stress the value of seeking mentorship and building alliances, as exemplified by personal experiences of mentorship leading to successful partnerships and career advancements.
Overcoming Challenges
Discuss various challenges faced by women in the industry, including fundraising, biases in hiring and salary, and balancing work with family responsibilities. Share strategies for overcoming these obstacles, such as believing in oneself, embracing change, and seeking support networks.
Fostering Inclusivity
Advocate for creating inclusive environments where diverse voices are welcomed, ideas are encouraged, and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender or nationality. Highlight the importance of organisations promoting inclusivity through hiring practices, benefits packages, and supportive networks.
Supportive Networks and Associations
Highlight the role of associations and networks, such as the Associação de Mulheres da Indústria do Gaming, in providing mentorship, support, and opportunities for women in the gaming industry. Encourage active participation and engagement within these communities.
