Pioneers of Change | Jennifer Lufau, Afrogameuses

GamesIndustry.biz Pioneers of Change is a series of interviews with individuals and groups working to improve the gaming industry. These conversations feature people from around the world who are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, mental health, and more. You can find more Pioneers of Change interviews here. Jennifer Lufau explains that her motivation for creating the non-profit organisation Afrogameuses in 2020 stemmed from a desire to feel empowered. Born in Togo, Lufau has been an avid gamer since her childhood, which she spent in Benin and France. Now based in Paris, she credits gaming with helping her develop leadership and communication skills, as well as forming lasting friendships. However, she also encountered toxicity while playing online, including sexist and racist comments that had a lasting impact on her. It wasn't until the pandemic in 2020 that Lufau began sharing her experiences on a blog and speaking with other women who had similar stories. These conversations ultimately led to the creation of Afrogameuses. Lufau interviewed four Black women in the industry, including women from the US, Canada, Madagascar, and the Netherlands, who shared similar experiences of both positive and negative aspects of gaming. After conducting extensive research, Lufau reached out to Women in Games France and other associations focused on inclusion in gaming. She created social media channels, developed a structure for her ideas, and eventually established a community of gamers and streamers. The goal of Afrogameuses is to provide a safe space for Black women to connect with one another and find a sense of belonging. Lufau chose the name Afrogameuses to clearly convey that the organisation is dedicated to supporting Black women, who are often underrepresented in the gaming industry. Afrogameuses aims to raise awareness about the existence of Black women in gaming and to promote their visibility. The organisation also seeks to empower Black women to take a more active role in the industry, whether as content creators, developers, or in other capacities. Lufau believes that it is essential to showcase the diversity of jobs available in the gaming industry, which extends beyond tech-related roles. Afrogameuses hosts Twitch masterclasses, where industry professionals share their experiences and insights. The organisation also visits schools to raise awareness about the various career paths available in the gaming industry. Lufau notes that in many Black and African families, gaming is not considered a viable career path. She hopes to change this narrative by highlighting the skills that can be developed through gaming and the potential career opportunities that exist in the industry. Afrogameuses has grown significantly since its inception, with a range of initiatives, including training programs, awareness campaigns, workshops, and more. The organisation is focused on serving a French-speaking audience. One of Afrogameuses' most cherished projects is an event called Game Changers, which brings people together to share their experiences and discuss their career paths in the gaming industry. Lufau is keen to expand this event in 2023. Afrogameuses also hosts an annual event called Gaming Queens, where women in the industry share their stories and expertise. The next Gaming Queens event will take place on March 11th on Twitch. Twitch is a crucial platform for Afrogameuses, where the organisation works to promote the visibility of Black streamers. Lufau wants to hold Twitch accountable for the toxicity that occurs on its platform, which is a common experience for many Black women in gaming. She believes that it is essential for content creation platforms like Twitch and YouTube to take responsibility for addressing and punishing toxic behavior. Lufau highlights the importance of building Afrogameuses as a French-speaking space, addressing the specific challenges faced by Black women in France. She notes that French law prohibits the collection of ethnic data, making it difficult to assess the diversity of the French gaming industry. Lufau believes that the industry can support Afrogameuses by normalising the presence of Black women and other underrepresented groups. She suggests that event organisers should make a conscious effort to include diverse speakers and panelists, rather than simply inviting them to discuss diversity. By showcasing the expertise and experiences of Black women and other underrepresented groups, the industry can help to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.