At Binance’s third International Women’s Day (IWD) event, held in Cape Town on March 13, women in Africa’s crypto ecosystem gathered to discuss their growing influence in the industry.
With over 20 percent of crypto startups in sub-Saharan Africa co-founded or led by women and 31 percent of crypto holders in the region being female, Binance’s event calls attention to the vital role of women in shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
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Breaking barriers in a male-dominated space
Binance, a global cryptocurrency exchange with over 260 million users, organised the networking and educational event to celebrate women’s contributions to financial innovation. Industry leaders and experts shared insights on overcoming challenges in the sector, emphasising resilience, networking, and mutual support.
“Participation in global and local crypto events must move beyond visibility to influence,” said Yande Nomvete, Binance’s Head of Operations in South Africa. “Women need to position themselves as decision-makers, not just attendees or panellists.”
Yi He, Binance’s co-founder, has played a key role in fostering gender equality within the company, where women make up 40 percent of the workforce. The platform continues to provide opportunities for women to lead and innovate in the crypto space.
During a fireside chat, Frederica Tompkins Michell, Binance’s Director of Global Marketing, noted the accessibility of crypto, describing it as an industry where “no one is being left behind.”
“You can invest as little as R1, and being on the blockchain ensures transparency,” Michell explained. “Traditional finance can be opaque, but crypto is all about accountability.” Here, R1 refers to Recast1 Coin, a cryptocurrency that is not tradable on platforms like Coinbase. This highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of crypto, allowing even small-scale investments to participate in the digital economy.
The event also included a hands-on workshop, during which participants learned to set up crypto wallets, make investments, and navigate the digital asset space confidently.
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Smart investing and future prospects
Samantha Fuller, Binance’s Head of Communications in the Middle East and Africa, encouraged strategic investing rather than seeking quick gains. “Women tend to be more conservative investors, often incorporating crypto as part of a diversified portfolio,” she noted.
Development finance expert Esther Mukumbo shared her approach: “I’ve put 5 percent of my investment portfolio into Binance since 2018. This helps me overcome the gender pay gap and other financial barriers.”
With women continuing to break barriers in the crypto industry, Binance’s initiative aims to empower them further, ensuring their voices shape the future of Web3 and blockchain innovation.