Games to Raise Awareness of Sexism in the Workplace: Formats, Benefits, and Feedback
Games are one of the most effective ways to raise awareness about sexism in the workplace. Unlike traditional lecture-style formats, games create a space for experimentation where participants can discover, experience, and share ideas without feeling defensive. This is precisely what makes them such a powerful tool for change.
Why games work better than traditional training
Learning by doing
Learning neuroscience shows that we retain information better when we experience it firsthand rather than just hearing about it. An awareness-building game immerses participants in real-life situations—such as a sexist remark during a meeting, a biased promotion decision, or stereotypical hiring practices—and encourages them to respond in real time.
The deactivation of defense mechanisms
Talking about sexism can provoke resistance: “It doesn’t exist here,” “You’re overreacting,” “It’s just a joke.” The game circumvents this resistance by creating a playful space where everyone can explore the topic without feeling accused or judged.
Fostering genuine conversations
Post-game debriefings are often the most valuable moments. Participants share their reactions, their surprises, and their new insights. It is these exchanges that truly reinforce what they have learned.
The different formats of awareness-raising games
Card games and board games
An accessible and user-friendly format. Participants categorize situations (sexist or not?), discuss scenarios, and answer questions. Advantage: The format is simple, portable, and can be facilitated independently after initial training.
Escape rooms
An immersive format that challenges teams of participants to solve puzzles related to sexism and discrimination. The escape game fosters group dynamics and creates a memorable experience. Several providers offer both digital and in-person versions.
Role-playing and simulations
Participants act out real-life situations: job interviews, team meetings, and informal conversations. This format helps develop soft skills: How should you respond to a sexist joke? How can you correct someone without causing offense?
Digital quizzes and serious games
Large-scale deployment via the intranet or an e-learning platform. Advantage: Reaches a large number of employees quickly. Limitation: The experience is individual and does not foster group interaction.
Interactive exhibits
The Accordia Zorreurs Museum is a unique format that combines visual displays with interactive elements. Participants move around, react, and engage with one another. This format reaches a large number of people on an ongoing basis and fits easily into an awareness day or an internal event.
The Accordia Offering: An Ecosystem of Educational Games
Accordia has developed a comprehensive range of educational games and tools covering a variety of topics:
- Sexism and Sexual Harassment: Raising Awareness of Sexist Behavior, Identifying Situations, Legal Framework
- Diversity and inclusion in the broadest sense: stereotypes, cognitive biases, and discrimination
- Disability: Raising Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities
- Gender equality: workplace equality, glass ceiling, gender diversity
These tools may include:
- Led by Accordia consultants during in-house workshops
- Deployed independently by your internal teams following training in facilitation
- Pair it with the traveling exhibition *Le Musee des Zorreurs* for a full program
How to Incorporate Games into Your Awareness Program
Play does not replace training; it complements it. An effective program combines:
- An assessment to identify priorities
- Structured training programs for specific target audiences (managers, HR professionals, and liaisons)
- Games and workshops to raise awareness among all employees
- Communication tools to ensure messages resonate over time
It is this multi-format approach thatAccordia’s D&I 360 support program offers.
Learn more
- Raising Awareness of Sexism in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
- Preventing Sexism in the Workplace: Requirements and Action Plan
- Discover Accordia's educational games
Our related offers
Diversity Awareness Games | Diversity Escape Game | Sexism Workshop | Sexism Awareness