Beyond the volatile price swings and flashy ICOs, the world of cryptocurrencies is deeply involved in discussions on various pressing societal issues. One such issue lurking in the shadows is the striking gender divide — a gap that has been a part of the tech industry for decades and seemingly entrenched itself within the burgeoning field of blockchain as well. The tech industry, traditionally dominated by men, has replicated the same patterns within cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. However, recent trends suggest a promising shift towards gender inclusion that could reshape the future of this industry.
Blockchain technology — the engine which drives cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands more — has been widely hailed as a revolutionary force that holds potential to transform every aspect of human enterprise. From financial systems and supply chain management to combating fake news and promoting renewable energy, blockchain is set to redefine our lives much in the same way the internet has done over the past couple of decades. However, this revolution has so far been predominantly led by men.
A 2019 study conducted by digital asset investing firm Grayscale showed that 77% of Bitcoin investors are men. Vaultoro.com, a crypto commodities exchange, noted that over 90% of its users are male. Coin.dance stats show that Bitcoin community engagement is overwhelmingly male, with only around 8-10% representation from women.
Indeed, even in the cryptocurrency gambling scene, a space where one might expect greater gender balance due to the widespread popularity of online gambling across all demographics, the same picture unfolds. According to bitcoingambling.org, a leading portal for bitcoin gaming industry news and reviews, the majority of users are still predominantly male.
However, as we delve deeper into the layers of our crypto society, some light begins to break through the predominantly male facade. A number of women are making significant strides, dispelling the conventional gender norms in this novel, digital world.
These trailblazers within the blockchain realm defy the stereotypical narrative that paints this space as a “Boys-Only Club”. Women such as Blythe Masters, the CEO of Digital Asset Holdings, and Linda Xie, the co-founder of Scalar Capital, are making noteworthy contributions to the crypto world, pioneering innovative pathways, and ushering in a new era of inclusivity.
Companies and organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for gender diversity in blockchain. From startups like Tezos, led by co-founder Kathleen Breitman, to global crypto-exchange Binance, which launched the “Binance Women in Blockchain” initiative to promote the inclusion of women in the sector, there is a dedicated push towards gender parity.
Engagement in the crypto economy is open to all, regardless of gender. Education is one critical area where efforts are being concentrated to bridge the gender gap. Several organizations and platforms, including leading blockchain education platform BlockGeeks, are making concerted efforts to encourage more women to learn about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
While the climb towards gender parity in the crypto and blockchain industry seems steep, the landscape is evolving. The future promises a shift from the present state of affairs; a shift that is founded on the contributions of hundreds of women in blockchain and their relentless pursuit for inclusion and equality in the ever-expanding universe of cryptocurrencies.
The crypto-divide does exist, but not for much longer. The process of bridging it is afoot, and it’s only a matter of time before blockchain technology becomes just as much an arena of innovation for women as it is for men.
References:
1. Grayscale Investments, The Bitcoin Investor Study;
2. Vaultoro Trading Statistics, Vaultoro.com;
3. Bitcoin Community Engagement by Gender, Coin.dance;
4. Bitcoin Gambling Demographics, bitcoingambling.org.
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