Ilitha Gaming, in partnership with Cortex Hub hosted the second annual Gender Inclusivity SHEPLAYSEvent on Saturday, August 31. The event was a success with over 50 women participating, compared to last year’s 13.
The event included panel discussions, and workshops covering various topics related to gender inclusivity in esports and gaming. The event also included a gaming tournament that saw seasoned and inexperienced gamers competing for the top prize.
Sia Mausi of the Cortex Hub engaged in open discussions with guest AvuzwaNtshongwana, who is the Creative Director and Lead Programmer at South Games Studio. CEO of Ilitha Gaming Babini Ntloko also took to the podium.
Ntloko said: “As IlithaGaming, our reason for being here is to empower communities from previously disadvantaged backgrounds through esports and gaming. We do this by providing access to information about gaming and e-sports and to make sure that black communities are represented in the industry.
“From just 13 Girls in attendance in 2023 to over 30 attendees with three major sponsors, the SHEPLAYS initiative has shown it’s potential in that women do and can have an interest in e-sports and gaming, we hope to host even larger events in future and collaborate more with organisations that have the same interests.”
The event was sponsored by 2Brothers Pizza, who provided lunch, and Red Bull, who provided participants with the opportunity to experience Red Bull’s EV gaming ground inititiative.
The winner of the tournament was Asikhulule Tunzi, a SHEPLAYS newcomer with no previous gaming experience. Her win was an illustration of the overall mission of the SHEPLAY initiative, to provide young women with a safe space to explore new experiences.
Mausi said: “SHEPLAYS 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing significant growth from the previous year. We forged new partnerships with local organisations, expanding our reach and resources. The event attracted a much larger crowd, with over 100 registrations. While not all registrants were able to attend, the overwhelming interest demonstrated a clear demand for these types of activities among young women in East London. The young women who attended enjoyed themselves and indicated that they would love more regular gaming events.”
