News
UNESCO and the Eight Goals One Foundation Launch of The Gender Equality Quest in Video Games report
UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences Sector and the Eight Goals One Foundation (8one) introduced The Gender Equality Quest in Video Games report for the first time on 29 November 2024, at the 2nd Annual Games & SDG Summit at UN Headquarters in New York City. It explores video games’ potential to promote gender equality and human rights.
This report is a cornerstone of UNESCO's Transforming MEN'talities programme, engaging men and boys for gender equality by deconstructing harmful gender norms and promoting positive masculinities. It is based on extensive research and expert consultations and presents a global overview of gender dynamics in gaming.
Recent studies reveal that only 6% of the best-selling games since 1985 feature female protagonists1. Despite representing about 46% of the global gaming community2, women hold only 30% of gaming industry jobs3, and over 50% face abuse and harassment online4. It is crucial for video games to break away from harmful stereotypes and empower women and gender-diverse individuals.
It is not only about controlling the negative impacts, but also relying on video games to address socio-cultural stereotypes and encourage positive, antidiscriminatory behaviours.
Aligned with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of A and the Women 4 Ethical AI Network, this initiative outlines pathways for human-rights-based and gender-transformative gaming.
The report highlights industry, community, and grassroot initiatives, offering recommendations for promoting gender equality in and through video games. All stakeholders in gaming are urged to collaborate to use this medium as a force for good.
The time to act is now. We have the tools, the platform, and the reach to make gaming a space that reflects the kind of world we want to create.
What's next? A global webinar to launch the report on 20 November 2024 (10.00 am EST New York City time / 16.00 CET Paris time / 20.30 IST New Delhi time).
