Empowering Women in Gaming: Global Gaming Women’s Inspiring Journey

_{Global Gaming Women connect during a leadership workshop in Malta. (Image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

Global Gaming Women (GGW) was created in 2011 to support, inspire, and influence women's development in the land-based and online casino and gaming industries. It was founded by a group of exceptional women representing more than 100 years of collective knowledge and leadership.

Headquartered in Nevada and launched as an independent charitable organisation in 2016, GGW delivers high-impact programmes and events to women in gaming.

Today, it boasts more than 7,000 active members and continues to offer educational programmes, mentorship opportunities and networking events around the world.

In an industry where women have historically been under-represented, Global Gaming Women is helping level the playing field.

Profiles of Champions: Clémence Dujardin and Sasha Boerma

Sasha Boerma is commercial director of South Africa's Split the Pot. With nearly two decades of digital marketing experience, her background in corporate advertising has brought valuable insights to her roles in iGaming. 

Her passion for challenging the norm and seeking collaboration has helped her thrive in the affiliate space.

Clémence Dujardin is group CEO of MyAffiliates. She joined the company in 2012 after working in several sectors of the industry, from affiliate management to affiliate software.

Based in Malta, Clémence has earned numerous accolades, including Malta’s Best Gaming Woman Leader of the Year (2018 and 2019) and SiGMA’s CEO Woman of the Year (2021). In 2023, iGB recognised her as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women in the industry.

_{Clémence Dujardin and Sasha Boerma want to lead by example. (Image: Alan Evans/Casinos.com)}

We caught up with these two trailblazers at the rooftop garden of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. Here’s what they had to say.

Women’s Stories from the Gaming Industry

Clémence: “I started 20 years ago in the poker industry, which was very young and very popular at the time. I evolved into different roles, leading to where I am today.

“It was a male-dominated industry — still is, though it’s improved. Back then, it was much tougher for women, especially young women.”

Clémence: “There wasn’t much of a fight then. Women were often seen as objects. But over time, strong women stepped up and made a difference. Sasha represents a newer generation, of course.”

Mentorship and Support: Building a Safe Space for Women

Alan: “Sasha, as someone from a newer generation, how have the women before you paved the way?”

Sasha: “Absolutely. Women like Clémence wear the crown. They’ve earned respect and have shown up for us. GGW gives great advice and support — even in conversations about kids or personal challenges.

“It’s about being there for others too — creating a safe space for 20-year-olds just entering the industry who might not have anyone else. Clémence has helped me, and I want to do the same for the next generation.”

Clémence: “We need more women in tech and more in senior leadership. Women are well-represented in lower management, but breaking into C-level roles is harder. The solution lies in education and empowerment.”

The Power of Representation: Leading by Example

Sasha: “A study showed many women don’t aim for C-level positions because they’ve never seen someone like them — a woman with a family — in that role. Clémence is the perfect example. She’s a mother, a CEO and a mentor.”

Alan: “When you hit that glass ceiling, how do you handle it? Do you go softly, or confront it head-on?”

Clémence: “It takes both. 

"Diplomacy and compromise are important, but sometimes you have to stand your ground and say, ‘No, this is how it’s going to be.’ Men can be patronising, there’s a lot of mansplaining, and women need to step up and show their strength.”

"Those are also the things I love about events like this, finding time for real conversations, like sitting on a bench with Sasha and talking for 20 minutes about everything and nothing.

“It’s not just about business. It’s the human experience, the support, and the energy from younger women. I learn from those interactions too.”

“We need to understand new perspectives to grow. Younger generations have different approaches. Learning how to communicate and lead them is key.

“These events give us the chance to share, to vent and to connect. It’s how we grow — as people and as leaders.”