Women in Games has issued a response to the recent UK Supreme Court judgement clarifying the legal definition of ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010. While acknowledging the legal implications of defining woman strictly in terms of biological sex, the organisation stresses the urgent need for continued inclusion, representation, and equity for all women, including transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender-diverse individuals, within the global games industry.
As debates around identity and rights intensify, Women in Games has urged the sector to prioritise empathy, intersectionality, and collaboration in shaping a future where everyone in the games community is respected and empowered.
Here is the statement in full:
Women in Games, our purpose is to empower girls and women by building a fairer, safer, more equal global gaming ecosystem. Women in Games’ vision is to ensure an environment where full equality of opportunity, treatment and conditions empowers all girls and women, of any ethnicity, orientation and background, to achieve their full potential within the global gaming ecosystem.
We acknowledge the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, which defines “woman” under the Equality Act 2010 strictly in terms of biological sex. While we understand the legal clarity this provides, we also recognise its potential impact on the inclusion, dignity, and rights of transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex women.
Affirming the Rights of Women and Girls
Women and girls across all races, abilities, ages, and socio economic backgrounds continue to face systemic barriers in the games industry, from pay gaps and underrepresentation to everyday discrimination.
Real progress requires structural change: inclusive policies, accountable leadership, and a commitment to equity that reflects the full diversity of women’s experiences. A more inclusive industry isn’t just fairer – it drives creativity, innovation, and long-term success.
Embracing Diversity and Intersectionality
At Women in Games, we celebrate the diversity of all women’s identities and experiences. While 93.5% of UK adults identify with the same gender as their sex at birth, we also recognise and include the 0.5% who are transgender, non-binary, or identify with another gender, as reflected in the 2021 Census for England and Wales.
LGBTQ+ communities are a vital part of our industry. The UK Games Industry Census 2022 found that 24% of respondents identify as having a sexuality other than heterosexual, and 3% as non-binary. These voices are essential to the creativity and future of our sector.
We understand that identity is complex and intersectional – shaped by overlapping factors like race, disability, class, gender, and sexuality. True inclusion means recognising these realities and responding with policies, initiatives and practices that support everyone.
Our vision is an industry and culture which is fair and inclusive for all. Where every woman and gender-diverse person is seen, respected, and empowered – and where no one is left behind.
Our Position
We proudly stand with women and girls still fighting for full equality, and remain steadfast in our commitment to creating initiatives, spaces, policies, and opportunities that uplift women, amplify their voices, and champion their leadership at all levels of the games industry.
We are equally committed to solidarity with transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex people. Inclusion is not a zero-sum game. And at our core, we are all human – understanding and empathy must guide our actions and interactions.
By standing together across our differences, we strengthen our community and advance our shared goals of fairness, dignity, and respect.
Working in Collaboration
We will continue to collaborate with policymakers, studios, educational institutions, and grassroots movements to ensure the games industry becomes a truly inclusive space.
We will challenge practices and policies that marginalise women or exclude minority identities, and we will advocate for solutions grounded in lived experience, compassion, and evidence.
Conclusion
At Women in Games, we believe that prioritising the needs of the majority – women and girls – can and must go hand-in-hand with protecting the rights of minorities. Where inclusion is not just a principle, but a lived practice that strengthens our shared humanity and the communities we shape together.
To learn more about gender in the workplace, visit Empower Up’s primer resource here.
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Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash
