Non-profit organization Women in Games International have received a $1 million grant from Activision Blizzard.
Women in Games International, a non-profit organization on a mission to advance diversity and equality in the games industry, have announced a $1 million grant from Activision Blizzard. The grant is the largest in WIGI's history, and will be used in part to building a "far richer future for women in games," according to Careen Yapp, Chairman of the Board of WIGI.
The news of the $1 million Women in Games International grant comes less than a week after Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick published an open letter outlining a plan of action to become "the most welcoming, inclusive company in our industry". Within the open letter, Kotick also stated Activision Blizzard plans to increase the percentage of women and non-binary people in their workforce by 50% to "accelerate opportunities for diverse talent".
This grant is likely to be the first of many for Activision Blizzard, who plan to invest $250 million "in initiatives that foster expanded opportunities in gaming and technology for under-represented communities".
"A great step toward lasting, impactful change"
“Our goal with this grant is to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion within our industry,” said Jen Oneal, a board member of WIGI and a former co-leader at Blizzard Entertainment.
“This donation from Activision Blizzard is an investment in the future of women in games, and a great step toward lasting, impactful change. I couldn’t be more excited to work together with the WIGI team. Through our collective focus and expertise, the partnership is full of potential.”
Women in Games International currently offers a series of programs aiming to empower women, from free access workshops to mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.
Current WIGI programs
- Power leveling series: Enjoy free access to interactive workshops focused on building the confidence & skills necessary to navigate your career in the games industry.
- Get in the Game Program: WIGI is enabling women who otherwise couldn’t afford it the opportunity to attend a gaming industry conference.
- Stat Boost: Become an industry leader with skill building bootcamps focused on empowering women to break into and move up within the games industry.
- Micro Mentorship Program: Identify goals and refine career strategy through actionable mentorship and the ability to connect and learn from the largest global Women in Games community.
“This is a landmark grant for WIGI” said Joanie Kraut, CEO of Women in Games International. “In July, we were honored to be named by the Activision Blizzard employees as a resource to combat discrimination, harassment, and inequality, and we were humbled by the overwhelming response of support from individual donors and partners."
"With the funds from Activision Blizzard, we can significantly support the advancement of women in the global games industry by continuing to develop and administer impactful programs and workshops focused on mentorship, self-advocacy, and career advancement.”
You can learn more about Women in Games International on their website.