She for Web3: Women in Blockchain & Web3

• Blockchain Council
• September 17, 2024

In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, the idea of gender representation in the digital world is becoming increasingly relevant. Web3, the latest iteration of the internet, presents a unique opportunity to address this issue.

But first, let us remember the history of gender representation in technology. From the early days of computing, men have heavily dominated the field. This has led to a need for more diversity in the workforce and the products produced. Women have been underrepresented and often faced discrimination in the tech industry.

However, as we move into the era of Web3, there is hope for change. The decentralized nature of Web3 provides an opportunity for greater inclusivity and diversity.

“Be prepared, be confident, do the work, don’t get bullied, try to keep your emotional and mental self healthy, know your priorities, be strategic. We are nearing the stage where Blockchain matures, and Web3 is inevitable. So there will be many entry points to choose, whether from the technical, business, financial, communications, marketing, grassroots sides: you name it, it will be there.”

Stephanie So
CEO of Geeq

So, let’s dive into the world of Web3, where women are at the forefront of the revolution!

Misconceptions about women in Web3 and how to deal with them

It is no secret that the technology industry has historically been male-dominated, with women often facing significant barriers to entry. This trend has continued into Web3, where women are still vastly underrepresented. This lack of diversity is a significant challenge for the industry, as it limits the perspectives and experiences that are brought to the table. Further, the lack of representation of women in this field can lead to some serious misunderstandings about the role of women in the industry, which creates an intimidating environment for women who are interested in getting involved.

One of the biggest misconceptions about women in Web3 is that they are not interested in the field or lack the necessary skills. This could not be further from the truth. Many women are passionate about Web3 and have the skills and knowledge to excel in the industry. However, they often face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating. These barriers can include bias in hiring and funding decisions, lack of mentorship and support networks, and a general lack of representation in the industry.

Another misconception is that women are not taken seriously in the Blockchain space. However, this is far from the truth. Women have been contributing significantly to the Blockchain community, and their work is respected and valued by their peers. The Blockchain and Web3 space has many accomplished female leaders who are breaking barriers and paving the way for more women to enter the industry.

“There are many women working as developers, Q&A, and cybersecurity engineers, and we should pay more attention to them although they are really often not the “frontmen” of the company.”

Maria Lobanova
CEO and founder of Interstellar Digital

Further, many believe that women are too timid to succeed in the Blockchain and Web3 space. While it is true that women may face unique challenges in this male-dominated industry, this does not mean that they lack the confidence to succeed. Many female founders and leaders have proven their mettle in the Blockchain and Web3 space, demonstrating that determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn are the keys to success in any field.

Despite these challenges, there are many women who are making significant contributions to the Web3 space. They are breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions, and creating a more inclusive and diverse ecosystem. Initiatives such as “SheFi” are also working to empower women in Web3 by providing mentorship, funding, and community support.xz

How can we leverage the power of Web3 to remove the Gender Gap?

The lack of gender diversity in the Web3 industry is a pressing issue that must be addressed. Women remain underrepresented in this emerging sector, and this gender gap is detrimental to both the industry and society as a whole. Roxana Pistolea, Humans.ai, believes, “Blockchain is a gender-neutral industry.”

The first step to addressing the gender gap in the Web3 industry is to understand the scope of the problem. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that women are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, including the tech sector. This underrepresentation translates to the Web3 industry, where women hold only a small percentage of positions. Women makeup only 13% of the Blockchain industry and even less in Web3. These figures indicate that the industry is missing out on valuable talent and diverse perspectives.

To address this issue, it is essential to identify and address the barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in the Web3 industry. One significant barrier is the lack of female role models and mentors in the industry. Women who do not see themselves represented in leadership positions may feel discouraged from pursuing a career in the field. Companies must take proactive measures to address this issue, such as creating mentorship and sponsorship programs, supporting diversity initiatives, and encouraging women to lead by example.

Another critical factor is the need for more gender-inclusive policies and practices within the industry. For example, ensuring equal pay and opportunities for advancement, flexible working hours, and support for parental leave are essential steps toward greater gender equity. These policies and practices must be reinforced at all levels of the industry, from start-ups to established companies, to promote greater gender diversity and inclusion.

In addition, companies must prioritize efforts to promote digital literacy and STEM education among girls and women. This will create a talent pipeline and encourage greater gender diversity in the tech industry, including the Web3 sector. Challenging stereotypes and supporting women and girls to pursue careers in STEM fields is crucial.

Lastly, the Web3 industry must foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and respect. Women and other underrepresented groups should feel welcome and valued in the industry. This can be achieved by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, celebrating the achievements of women and underrepresented groups, and providing safe spaces for marginalized communities to share their experiences and perspectives.

“Any human, irrespective of gender, can be top management in Blockchain. Maybe Satoshi really is female – that would certainly instantly challenge all these stereotypes.”

Roxana Pistolea
Humans.ai

How Can We Encourage More Women to Enter the Field?

The Blockchain and Web3 space is rapidly expanding, and with that comes a growing demand for talented individuals to help drive the industry forward. Unfortunately, the gender gap in the field remains a major concern. While progress has been made in recent years, women are still significantly underrepresented in the Blockchain and Web3 space. This lack of diversity can lead to a narrow perspective and a limited understanding of the challenges faced by different communities.

To truly unlock the potential of Web3, it’s essential to address the gender gap and promote greater gender equity. Here are some strategies that can help encourage more women to enter the field:

Increase visibility and representation of women in leadership roles

One of the most effective ways to encourage more women to enter the field is to increase the visibility of female leaders in the industry. Women who are already working in the field should be highlighted and celebrated and given opportunities to share their experiences and expertise. By showcasing successful female leaders, more women may be inspired to pursue careers in the Blockchain and Web3 space.

Foster more women-led communities

Creating more women-led communities can help provide a supportive environment for women to learn and grow in the Blockchain and Web3 space. These communities can offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and a safe space for women to share their experiences and challenges. By fostering these communities, women can feel more empowered and encouraged to pursue careers in the field.

Create welcoming and inclusive environments

One of the key ways to do this is by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where women feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their ideas. This can be achieved through encouraging collaboration between genders and promoting open dialogue in the industry. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, women will feel more confident in contributing to the field.

Provide more educational opportunities and resources for women

Another way to encourage more women to enter the field is to provide more educational opportunities and resources specifically designed for women. This can include scholarships, training programs, and mentorship opportunities. By providing these resources, women can feel more confident in their abilities and more prepared to pursue careers in the Blockchain and Web3 space. Additionally, online resources that provide guidance and information on how to get involved in the field can be helpful tools for those looking to break into the industry.

It is also important to expose young girls to coding, computer programming, and other technology-related skills early on. Providing hands-on experience through coding workshops or projects related to Blockchain and Web3 can spark an interest in the industry and inspire young girls to pursue careers in this field.

Address the gender bias and misconceptions about women in the field

It’s essential to address the gender bias and misconceptions about women in the Blockchain and Web3 space. The industry must recognize that women are just as capable as men when it comes to technology and coding. By challenging these misconceptions and addressing gender bias, the field can become more inclusive and welcoming to women. Removing gender biases in the hiring process is also crucial to attracting and retaining more women in the industry. Companies should evaluate potential candidates based on their skills and qualifications instead of their gender when it comes to hiring new staff members.

By implementing these strategies, the Web3 and Blockchain industry can take important steps toward creating a more equitable and diverse workforce. This will benefit not only women but also the industry as a whole by promoting new perspectives, innovation, and growth.

“At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that there’s a place for everyone in the Blockchain and Web3 space – regardless of gender, race or background. With more and more women entering the field, it’s only a matter of time before we see an even greater number of successful female Blockchain entrepreneurs.”

Cordearo Dadson
Founder of Pocketcows and the Co-president of the Private Directors Association of the South Florida Chapter (PDA)