Code of Conduct

Everyone involved with The Very Secret Society of Women in Games — mentees, mentors, partners, and anyone joining our events or spaces — is asked to follow this Code of Conduct. It exists for a simple reason: this is meant to be a place where people feel safe enough to be new, to ask, and to grow.

What we stand for

We’re here to open doors in the games industry for women and female-identifying people, and to help build a more diverse, more welcoming industry along the way. That means we’re committed to a positive, respectful, and empowering experience for everyone involved, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, disability, neurodivergence, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or background.

We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form.

What we expect

Treat one another with kindness and respect. Assume good faith. Make space for people who are just starting out. No question is too small, and no one should be made to feel they don’t belong. Keep language and imagery appropriate and inclusive; sexual language and imagery have no place in our spaces.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: offensive comments related to any of the characteristics above; unwelcome sexual attention; deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or events; and sharing others’ private information without consent.

For our mentors especially

Mentoring carries a position of trust, often with people who are younger or earlier in their careers. Mentors are expected to keep that relationship professional and supportive: no romantic or sexual advances toward mentees, no pressure, no using the relationship for personal gain. Keep conversations relevant to mentoring and career support, and respect your mentee’s boundaries, time, and confidentiality.

If something goes wrong

If you’re being harassed, notice someone else being harassed, or have any concern at all — however small it feels — please tell us. You can reach us confidentially at tvssowig.fellowship@gmail.com. We will listen, take it seriously, and handle it with discretion.

Anyone asked to stop a behaviour is expected to stop immediately. We may take whatever action we consider appropriate, including a warning, removal from an event or space, or ending someone’s involvement with the program.

A last word

Most of this comes down to something simple: look after each other. We’re building the kind of place we wish had existed for us, one where belonging isn’t something you have to earn by being tough enough to withstand it.