In the blockchain industry, gender disparity continues to be
apparent, where women's involvement and representation are noticeably lower
compared to men. Although the exact numbers vary depending on the source and
the specific industry area being analysed, studies consistently show that women
are underrepresented in blockchain and cryptocurrency in general.
The Global Crypto
User Index reports that of the 378 venture-backed crypto and
blockchain companies founded globally between 2012 and 2018, only one had an
all-female founding team, and only 31 (8.2percent) had a combination of male
and female founders. Outside of leadership, women are also grossly
under-represented in the workforce, with 95percent of people in the blockchain
industry being men.
Notably, bridging the gender gap in blockchain will bring
financial inclusion and economic empowerment to women globally, which will
invariably have a strong impact on reducing poverty, increasing education, and
overall development of local communities. This is apparent because improving
gender economic equality leads to remarkable communal growth and development.
Bridging the Gap
Blockchain technology has endless possibilities but for it to
succeed, inclusivity is key. Still, it can only be fully realised if
organisations recognize that all individuals play an integral part in the
success of their operations.
To address the gender gap in the blockchain technology sector, it
is crucial for relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies and private
organisations, to invest significant resources in education, adoption, and
financial inclusion for women. Collaboration between the public and private
sectors is necessary to achieve inclusive economic empowerment for women in
this industry. By committing resources to these efforts, stakeholders can
effectively bridge the gender gap and create a more equitable and thriving
blockchain technology sector.
Binance, through its philanthropic arm, Binance Charity, uses the
platform to promote women’s contributions to the blockchain. Its 8-week boot
camp in collaboration with Utiva, for example, was established to
equip women with the necessary tools and skills required for a career in
blockchain. The training program covered several essential topics, including
blockchain fundamentals, cryptocurrency basics, decentralization, web3, and the
metaverse. Additionally, participants engaged in practical, hands-on projects
to develop crucial critical thinking skills and tackle real-world issues with
practical solutions.
As an organisation, Binance continues to address inequality in the
blockchain industry, through inclusive and transparent employment principles.
Remarkably, its efforts continue to pay off, witnessing an impressive
turnaround in the perception, and participation of women in the world of
blockchain.
The advancement in blockchain technology should be fueled by
values that prioritise quality contributions, disregarding gender, race, or
political affiliations. After all, The peer-to-peer system inherently embodies
equality, with significantly lower barriers to entry and use compared to
traditional financial markets. Inclusivity is paramount, as the blockchain
industry strives to achieve critical mass and promote widespread adoption.