Is the Gender Divide in the Crypto World Necessary?

There was an interesting article yesterday in the New York Times about the gender divide in the crypto world and it's got me thinking.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/25/business/cryptocurrency-women-blockchain-bros.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Apparently the same discrepancies that exist in the developer/digital world are mirrored in the blockchain realm and maybe even more so.

My point of view is that this mostly stems from issues as deep seated as the 1000s of years of socialization that's embedded in all of us to one degree or another. And at the very least women are encouraged less often and sometimes even discouraged from pursuing math, science and tech. But unfortunately there's more to it since there are some - both men and women - who are still resistant to noticing the problem and to making any changes to the status quo. BUT - and this is a big but - at this point in time, the male dominated crypto world can take steps that would make a difference and the good news is that it’s easy!

Below are a few examples from the article of the kind of blatant disrespect that keeps the gender divide alive and would be easy to remedy.

The gender imbalance was also on display at last month’s North American Bitcoin Conference in Miami, which was organized by a prominent investor, Moe Levin. Mr. Levin originally slated 86 men and one woman as speakers. After complaints, he replaced two of the men with women to achieve what he thought should be enough: 84 men onstage and three women.

Really, is it so hard to find any other competent female speakers?

The year before, the conference’s kickoff party featured underwear-clad models — painted gold and covered in Bitcoin logos.

And it’s a no-brainer to choose to be respectful rather than to continue the 5000 year trend of objectifying women - which undermines them - for the entertainment of men. I'll note that this entertainment would have had a completely different tone if there were both men and women featured in this sparkly parade!

“Moe does something just as sexist every year,” said Rose Chan, who founded the World Bank’s blockchain working group and now runs her own cryptocurrency project. “He switches it up, which actually means that he thinks about it.”

Such a blatant lack of consideration makes my heart sink and my stomach turn:

“North American Bitcoin Conference in January, which highlighted 84 male speakers and three women, the official conference party was held at a Miami strip club.”

Images courtesy of pixabay

On a more personal note, one of my first thoughts when reading this article is how lucky I am to have been brought on to Steemit so early on when I now see how unlikely this was as a women and one who wasn't interested in the digital world. And how grateful I am for all of the truly generous and inclusive men I know here on steemit! So many have helped me feel less intimidated with the digital world and done so with great generosity.

Here I am 20 months later, a mostly empowered trader who can speak intelligently about the blockchain and its implications and even teach novices how to navigate the system and approach trading.

I want to give a call out to a few of these Mensch in particular:

@world-travel-pro who has tirelessly answered my endless questions about finances and money management.

@nickh725 who has given me so much helpful advice about how to assess a coin and an ICO and how to decide whether to invest or not.

@steemed who spent literally hours walking me through getting my SBD from my Steemit wallet to USDollars in my bank account and has offered solid unwavering support for my work.

And these men never once succumbed to making feel less because of what I didn't know. Not even for one single moment. They were kind, clear, and helpful.

I also want to acknowledge people like @ericvancewalton @bluelightbandit @voronoi @hansikhouse @cryptogee @macksby @paolobeneforti who I’ve witnessed specifically speaking up in respect and in support of women. The truth is that it takes very little to offer support and to treat someone with regard but it can make a huge difference!

I know many men and women who jump at the chance to help others and who understand that when we give each otehr a hand, we all rise.

And thankfully these people are out in the world moving and shaking as well:

”Some crypto leaders are now organizing events, clubs and conferences to attract women to the industry. Ms. Bonatsos spoke at one such event this month in San Francisco. And Jalak Jobanputra, founder of the start-up investment firm Future Perfect Ventures, and other blockchain developers gathered in New York this month to discuss the issue. They later announced that they would form a blockchain diversity advocacy group called the Collective Future and create a diversity pledge for crypto companies to sign as a show of commitment.”

I want to reach out to you - men on steemit, women on steemit, there’s much we can do to change this unnecessary power differential and it takes so little.

“We have an opportunity to rebuild the financial systems,” Ms. Morin said. “Women want to be part of that.”

Keep in mind that if you don’t see enough women, it's not because we don't want to be involved. Whenever and wherever you can take those little steps and make thoughtful choices. It means that when you have a project for which you want to gather a group, consider whether a woman or 2 you know might also be a good candidate. It means that when you choose a venue, entertainment, the ways you reach out to invite people, do so with respect and with an eye on inclusivity.

Thank you for supporting my blog which is mostly about art, ceramics and the goings-on in my studio and at times I also delve into the nature of being human.