In tech and gaming, the numbers say a lot, but women’s voices tell the story. An internal fireside chat highlighted five key insights from women at Rovio, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse experiences.
The statistics surrounding gender representation and the pay gap in the tech and gaming industries paint a clear picture, with women constituting 24.4% of the workforce in games according to the European Game Developers Federation (22% in Finland as of 2022). But this is only a small piece of the full picture. While industry statistics might highlight crucial systemic issues, hearing the personal stories of women in tech and games allow us to grasp the subtle complexities. These individual experiences can even help us recognize our hidden biases, guide us toward real, everyday improvements, and offer an understanding that numbers alone simply can’t capture.
In this spirit, we held an internal fireside chat in March in celebration of International Women’s Day, and we invited four colleagues from our studios around the world – Ann-Sofie Hansson (Technical Manager), Astrid Strohmaier (Senior IT Service Specialist), Julie Beaugrand (VP Head of Studio), and Maria Haykal (Distribution and Partnerships Manager) – to share their career journeys, challenges, and triumphs. The discussion offered invaluable insights that highlight the importance of listening to and hearing women’s voices. Here are five takeaways from their stories, underscoring why listening is key:
Even when you don’t have role models, you can be that person and lead change.
Don’t see a leader anywhere? Maybe that leader is you. Julie’s statement speaks to the importance of agency and leadership, especially in environments where representation might be lacking. Reflecting on experiences earlier in her career Julie highlighted that the absence of role models shouldn’t be a deterrent. Instead, it can be a catalyst. By stepping up and embodying the qualities we wish to see, we can pave the way for positive change and create a more inclusive and supportive culture for those who follow. Sometimes, being the “first” or one of the few means you have the unique opportunity to shape the future.
We just want to be treated normally.
Often, women in male-dominated fields can experience being treated differently, sometimes with well-intentioned but ultimately patronizing or dismissive actions. Other times, it can manifest as a lack of seriousness or having their expertise questioned. Astrid shared her positive experience at Rovio, where she felt like just another valued team member in IT. This simple desire for equitable treatment underscores the importance of fostering environments where everyone is respected for their skills and contributions, without gender-based biases or assumptions.
Be yourself.
Maria’s advice is a powerful reminder of the strength in authenticity. As a member of multiple minority groups, she spoke to the pressure of conforming to preconceived notions. However, she emphasized that showing up as your true self not only benefits your own well-being but also challenges stereotypes and broadens perspectives for others. By embracing our individuality, we empower others to do the same and contribute to a richer, more diverse tapestry within the industry.
Take the time to get to know people, especially those who are not similar to yourself.
Ann-Sofie’s call to action emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and empathy. She urged leaders to go beyond surface-level interactions and actively seek to understand the experiences of individuals who may come from different backgrounds or have different perspectives. This requires asking thoughtful questions and truly listening to the answers. By fostering these deeper connections, we can break down biases, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more inclusive and understanding workplace.
Listen to the quieter voices.
Astrid’s second key insight highlights a crucial aspect of inclusive leadership. Not everyone is naturally assertive or from cultures that encourage assertiveness. Leaders, therefore, have a responsibility to actively seek out and amplify the perspectives of those who might be less vocal. By consciously creating space for quieter voices, we can tap into a wealth of diverse ideas and insights that might otherwise be missed, leading to more well-rounded decisions and a more inclusive environment.
In the end, did this fireside chat reveal something entirely new about gender equality in tech and gaming? Perhaps not in terms of raw facts. But what sharing these stories helps us understand is that often the answers we need are right next to us, and having these kinds of open dialogues is the key to finding them. The insights from our colleagues can genuinely help us make our own corner of the industry more inclusive, respectful, and open to everyone.