
- Blockchain Council
- March 03, 2025
As March 8, 2025, gets closer, people worldwide come together for International Women’s Day, embracing the theme “Accelerate Action.” This call aims to speed up efforts toward gender equality, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. In newer industries like Web3, women are not just present but are making meaningful changes, driving innovation, and shaping the next phase of digital technology.
Women’s Role in Web3 Today
Although Web3 promotes open access and decentralized systems, gender gaps remain clear. Research shows that just 13% of founding teams in this space include at least one woman, while only 3% are entirely female-led. These numbers are even lower than those in traditional tech. Another major concern is earnings, women in Web3-related finance make around 46% less than men, a pay difference far wider than what exists in Web2 sectors.
Certifications like the Certified Web3 Game Developer™ can help you stay ahead in a world where Web3 developers are in-demand yet scarce.
Challenges Women Face in Web3
Several key barriers make it harder for women to enter and succeed in Web3.
- Investment Gaps: Startups led by men secure nearly four times the funding compared to those founded by women. Limited financial support restricts growth opportunities for female-led projects.
- Few Leadership Roles: Women make up just 7% of Web3 startup founders. With so few at the decision-making level, shaping the industry’s direction becomes difficult.
- Workplace Culture: Since tech has long been male-dominated, many environments still carry biases that create extra hurdles for women trying to break in.
Programs Helping Women Advance in Web3
Recognizing these issues, various groups have stepped in to offer support, networking, and funding opportunities.
- Women of Web3: A dedicated community working to make it easier for women to enter Web3, AI, and metaverse-related fields. Through job listings, learning resources, and networking events, they aim to create a more balanced space.
- Unstoppable Women of Web3: Established in 2022 on International Women’s Day, this initiative focuses on bringing more diverse talent into the Web3 industry. Their partnerships and training efforts make entry into the space more accessible.
- 1,000 Dreams Fund: Future Fund for NextGen Women in Web3 – This program, launched in 2024, is designed to support women in blockchain and crypto. By providing funding, mentorship, and career opportunities, it helps bridge the gender divide in this fast-growing sector.
Women Leading the Web3 Movement
Many women are already making a strong impact in Web3, reshaping the industry through their leadership and expertise.
- Krista Kim: A Canadian-Korean artist known for blending light, technology, and sound in digital art. She launched the Techism movement, which views technological advances as artistic expression. In 2021, her virtual home project “Mars House” sold as an NFT for over $500,000, pushing digital art boundaries.
- Marta Belcher: A lawyer specializing in blockchain-related issues, she plays a key role in shaping policies for decentralized technology. As general counsel at Protocol Labs and special counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, she actively advocates for blockchain legal rights.
- Amanda Cassatt: A marketing strategist who helped grow Web3 adoption. From 2016 to 2019, she worked as chief marketing officer at ConsenSys before launching Serotonin, a marketing agency focused on blockchain and decentralized projects.
- Cathy Hackl: A consultant and author recognized for her expertise in the metaverse and Web3. Leading the Futures Intelligence Group, she guides businesses in adopting NFTs, virtual reality, and augmented reality, helping bridge traditional industries with emerging technologies.
- Molly White: A software developer and writer who critiques the cryptocurrency and Web3 sectors. Through her platform “Web3 Is Going Just Great,” she documents industry challenges while pushing for accountability and transparency.
Moving Toward Greater Inclusion
Though obstacles remain, the shift toward greater female representation in Web3 continues to gain traction. More steps can be taken to create a fairer and more inclusive environment.
- More Funding for Women: Led Startups – Directing investment toward female-founded ventures can help level the financial playing field and create stronger opportunities for women.
- Stronger Mentorship Networks: Connecting women with mentors and professional communities fosters an environment where knowledge and opportunities can be shared.
- Accessible Education: Providing learning resources can equip more women with the technical and strategic skills needed to excel in Web3.
- Highlighting Female Leaders: Showcasing the achievements of women in Web3 can encourage more participation and inspire future generations.
The Road Ahead
Women are already shaping Web3, pushing boundaries, and bringing fresh ideas into this evolving space. By tackling existing inequalities and backing efforts that empower women, the digital world can become a fairer place for everyone. Expanding opportunities will not just benefit women, it will strengthen the entire Web3 community. And to truly advance in your career, enroll into the Certified Web3 Expert™ and Certified Web3 Community Expert™ certifications by the Blockchain Council.