Telefónica Hispanoamérica recently held an online event called “Level UP of Women in eSports” to discuss the challenges faced by women in the world of video games. The event focused on different areas where women are involved in gaming, including sponsorship, public relations, and content creation.
Participants included professionals such as Francisca Sky, a Chilean video game and technology communicator; Estefania Carrera, a sponsorship coordinator at Telefónica Movistar Mexico; Eider Diaz Ascasso, head of communication at CODE SPACE (Spain) and linked to the world of eSports; and Anita Balanzategui, head of sponsorship at Telefónica Movistar Ecuador.
The panelists emphasized the growing participation of women in eSports and the need for more opportunities for women in tournaments to achieve gender equality. They also highlighted the importance of protecting women and children in the eSports industry through alliances between different groups interested in ensuring their safety.
According to research by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), approximately 48% of gamers worldwide are female. However, there are still barriers that need to be broken down as 59% of players choose to remain anonymous to avoid harassment. The panelists stressed that gender is not a determining factor in eSports but rather skills and talent are what matter most. They called for ongoing conversations and initiatives to support and empower women in eSports.
The rise in female gamers is a positive development that needs to be celebrated but also addressed the challenges faced by these individuals who often face harassment because they belong to a minority group. It’s essential for companies like Telefónica Hispanoamérica to take action towards creating an inclusive environment for everyone involved in gaming.
In conclusion, the event highlighted that while there are still barriers that need to be overcome, progress has been made towards achieving gender equality in eSports. The focus on education and empowerment will help create a more inclusive gaming industry where everyone’s talents can flourish without fear of discrimination or harassment.