A Discourse on Inclusiveness of Women in Nigeria’s Gaming Industry
Nseobong Okon-Ekong speaks with a couple of women on inclusiveness in the gaming industry, with a focus on role, designation, responsibility and participation
‘There are Roles Women Function Effectively in Due to Innate Ability’
Gaming in Nigeria is relatively new, however, from inception, it has been heavily dominated by men with little or no chance for women to thrive.
Recently, with the campaign on inclusiveness of women around the globe, the gaming industry, Nigeria inclusive has witnessed tremendous change in the active participation of women in various fields to wit - legal and compliance, payments and fraud management, people operations, finance, marketing etc.
Taking a cursory look at BetKing where I work as the legal and compliance specialist, we have women leading different units of the business, which all boils down to the increasing rate of women participation in the gaming industry. BetKing stands as a strong advocate for inclusiveness, actively supporting diverse leadership and fostering an environment that values and promotes the contributions of women.
In being more specific, there are some roles that women function effectively due to our innate ability and subtle strengths in negotiation, human management, and strategy. And you will agree with me that business thrives on actionable strategy coupled with high display of human management skills and an art of negotiation. With these skills demonstrated by women, it has made it easy for women to carve a niche and create a space at the table for themselves in the gaming industry. • Titilayo Ogunleye, Legal and Compliance Specialist at BetKing
‘Companies, Regulatory Bodies Recognising Value of Diverse Leadership Teams’
The gaming industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with women often being underrepresented or marginalised in various aspects of the sector. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the gambling industry, and conscious efforts being made by industry leaders to attract and support more women in this field is commendable even though we recognise that there is still more work to be done.
One significant area where women are making strides in the industry is in leadership roles within companies. While men have historically held the majority of executive positions in gaming organisations, there has been a noticeable shift towards gender diversity in recent years. Companies and even regulatory bodies are recognising the value of having diverse leadership teams, and we are seeing increasing number of women taking key roles in areas such as operations, marketing, finance and compliance.
Overall, the inclusion of more women in the gaming industry is not only important for promoting diversity and equality, but also for driving innovation and growth. By embracing a more inclusive approach, the gaming industry can tap into a wider talent pool, better reflect the diverse interests and perspectives of its audience, and ultimately, create a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for all players.
• Bimpe Akingba, Regional Manager, Africa, Business Development and Regulatory, Mchezo Limited and the immediate past Executive Secretary, Association of Nigeria Bookmakers
‘Hopes to See Improved Work Cultures’
Over the years, the Nigerian gaming industry has seen significant progress in the inclusion of women in leadership roles. However, there still seems to be significant gap in the ratio of men to women in executive and operational roles in the industry. Numerous studies have highlighted the multitude of benefits that greater gender diversity yields for organisations, from improved decision-making and innovation to better financial performance. However, deep-rooted biases, cultural norms and workplace practices continue to hinder the advancement of women into senior management and board positions globally.
The inclusiveness of women in the industry is essential for fostering diversity and unlocking a wealth of untapped talent. It’s about providing equal opportunities for women across all levels. In terms of roles, breaking traditional moulds is crucial. Encouraging women to explore and excel in fields traditionally dominated by men not only dismantles stereotypes but also brings diverse perspectives to the table, fostering innovation.
Designations should be assigned based on merit and competence rather than gender. Recognising and valuing the skills and expertise of women in leadership roles contribute to a more balanced and effective decision-making process. Responsibilities should be distributed without bias, allowing women to take on challenging and influential tasks. This not only empowers women individually but also benefits the organisation by leveraging a broader range of skills and experiences.
Globally, there are still challenges in viewing women in leadership jobs in the same way that men do, and women are often responsible for managing work and domestic life. Society is less kind to women when they fail at doing this despite the discouraging structure of the workplace that gives women the liberty to actually excel in both. As the industry evolves, we hope to see improved work cultures that are more inclusive and encourages women to explore roles beyond the norm. Director,