As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Web3, it’s essential to recognize the vital role that women play in shaping this industry’s future. According to Pantera Capital, women not only lead top crypto exchanges but also earn 15% more than men on average. This is a significant achievement, and one that underscores the importance of harnessing the potential of the feminine community within Web3.
The State of Women in Web3
Despite these advancements, however, the numbers are stark: only about 13% of Web3 projects have female founders, and they receive merely 6% of the industry’s total funding. Furthermore, Web3 events – conferences, hackathons, afterparties – remain predominantly male-dominated. These statistics highlight a pressing need for greater inclusion and representation within the Web3 ecosystem.
The Value of Inclusion
In an era where Web3 promises to break down barriers and create a more equitable digital landscape, dismissing or disempowering women’s leadership is both counterintuitive and shortsighted. Women comprise around 50% of the global population, possess over $31 trillion in spending power, and control 85% of consumer spending in the United States. By neglecting to capitalize on this talent pool, Web3 risks missing out on a significant opportunity for growth and innovation.
The Benefits of Empowering Marginalized Groups
Creating more women-centric spaces within Web3 is not only about promoting inclusivity but also about fostering accessibility for everyone. By breaking down the monopoly of the hypermasculine ‘bro code,’ we can build a more diverse and vibrant digital community that celebrates care, collaboration, empathy, and emotionality – often stigmatized as ‘feminine’ characteristics.
The Power of Sisterhood
Research has consistently shown that women’s experiences with marginalization drive them to be more receptive, accepting, and giving. These qualities are essential components of any inclusive environment, where diverse voices feel heard and valued. By embracing feminine spaces and communities, we can tap into this potential for growth and innovation.
Building the Feminine Frontier
Onboarding more women to Web3 and creating more women-centric spaces is crucial for making the industry more inclusive both internally and externally. This requires breaking down generational stereotypes and challenging the deep-seated psychological biases that prevent women from recognizing their own value and potential.
Education, Mentorship, and Holistic Support
Addressing these issues demands a multifaceted approach, incorporating education, mentorship, and holistic support. Women-centric communities are leading the charge in providing young, aspiring women with the means to succeed in Web3 – not just through pep talks or lip service, but through tangible resources and opportunities.
A Positive Loop of Empowerment
As these female-centric communities grow, they will create a ripple effect, increasing visibility for inspiring women who are driving Web3’s evolution. This, in turn, will motivate more young women to take the leap and stake their claim on emerging tech paradigms.
Feminine Sensibilities in Web3 Codebases
Given the proper training and skills development – besides vision – women supported in this loop should be well-equipped to empathize with the users’ community worldwide. This, inevitably, will manifest itself in Web3 codebases and technology, as coding is a means of expression that reflects our values and perspectives.
A Movement for Change
What we’re seeing now, and what we’re calling for, is a movement to break the status quo that hampers Web3’s potential as an inclusion-first industry. Helping more women participate in the narrative and creating space for them to actively contribute is mission-critical.
The Journey Ahead
The journey of building the feminine frontier has undoubtedly begun. It will be long and challenging, but with dedication and perseverance from women and their allies, we can create a Web3 that truly embodies the principles of inclusion, equity, and fairness.
Elena Sinelnikova is the co-founder of Metis and CryptoChicks. In 2021, Elena was named one of 12 shortlisted honorees of Canada’s Top Women in Fintech and Blockchain by IT World Canada. In 2022, Elena was announced as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Blockchain by Hardbacon.
This article is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
