Board games are emerging as impactful tools for social change by facilitating discussions on issues like sexism and homophobia. Games like ‘Les Mille pas’ and ‘Bad Bitches Only’ engage players in exploring personal experiences and recognizing historical female figures. The ‘Discultons’ series promotes open conversations about sexuality, while ‘Takattak Trash’ equips players with responses to inappropriate comments. This holiday season, these games serve not only as entertainment but also as means to foster awareness and dialogue on critical social topics.
Board Games as Tools for Social Change
In a world where sexism, homophobia, and professional inequalities persist, board games are stepping up as innovative tools for social change. These engaging games are not just about fun; they also promote important conversations about societal issues. This holiday season, consider adding a game to your wishlist that encourages dialogue while providing entertainment.
Empowering Players Through Interactive Experiences
Inspired by the classic ‘Mille bornes’, the game ‘Les Mille pas’ invites players to embody a woman navigating her professional journey. Participants encounter various ‘red lights’ that symbolize common obstacles such as maternity, stereotypes, work-life balance, salary disparities, and sexism. Launched in 2021 by Coralie Franiatte, founder of Bejoue, this game has reached over 15,000 individuals through distribution in companies, universities, and associations.
Recently, Centrale Nantes engineering school hosted a game session aimed at tackling difficult topics in a relaxed environment. Nicolas, a member of the feminist association Centr’Elles, noted, “Each card provided a platform for players to share personal experiences of discrimination, leading to insightful discussions that lasted up to ten minutes per card.” He emphasized the positive impact of the game as an icebreaker among students.
Another popular game, ‘Bad Bitches Only’, encourages players to identify feminist figures by describing and miming them, contributing to a cultural shift that acknowledges the contributions of women throughout history. With 9,000 copies sold, Eva Chancé, president of Gender Games, highlights the importance of recognizing the achievements of 250 remarkable women across various fields, making learning history enjoyable and inclusive.
Moreover, the game’s variants like ‘Feminist Warriors’ and ‘Queer Icons’ further celebrate influential personalities from the feminist and LGBTQIA+ communities. The latest addition, ‘Geek Legends’, focuses on iconic heroines from video games and manga, proving that even within traditionally male-dominated spaces, powerful female characters exist and inspire.
Additionally, the ‘Discultons’ series, introduced by sex therapist Léa Toussaint, offers a safe way to explore and discuss sexuality. With 10,000 copies sold, this game encourages open conversations about intimacy, especially for new parents navigating their relationships after childbirth.
To tackle derogatory remarks, the Belgian game ‘Takattak Trash’ equips players with quick-witted responses to offensive comments. Geneviève Smal, the founder, emphasizes that the game aims to provide players with tools to address inappropriate remarks without escalating conflicts. With 60,000 copies sold, the Takattak series empowers individuals to respond to challenging statements with humor and confidence.
This holiday season, consider these board games not just as gifts but as instruments for fostering understanding and awareness around critical social issues. By playing together, we can break down barriers and encourage meaningful conversations.