Binance, a leading global blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, hosted the Shades of Yellow event on March 7 to commemorate International Women’s Month and underscore its unwavering commitment to equality and diversity. Serving as the event’s Master of Ceremonies was Farai Ntuli, a distinguished speaker and youth employment expert, bringing her unique charm and insights to the occasion. The primary focus of the event was to acknowledge and celebrate women in technology while highlighting the crucial changes necessary for a more inclusive industry.
In a fireside chat led by seasoned speaker Hwalani Mabasois, Koshiek Karan, a fintech leader and advocate for women’s inclusion in the crypto industry, shared insights. Yaliwe Soko, Chairwoman of the United Africa Blockchain Association, contributed valuable perspectives on gender inequality, while Yande Nomvete, Binance’s Operations Manager, discussed strategies to foster a culture of active female participation in the crypto space. The panel delved into the theme “Embracing the journey of empowerment and transformation in Africa,” exploring how crypto could drive financial inclusion and enhance access to financial services, particularly in underprivileged communities and townships.
Yande Nomvete, Operations Manager for Binance in Africa, acknowledged the perceived intimidation of the technology industry for women but highlighted their invaluable contributions, especially within the realm of Web3. Binance is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity, not only within the company but across the entire cryptocurrency industry.
Highlighting statistics from Research ICT Africa, the event emphasized the gender gap in access to digital technologies, both individually and in business. Recognizing the challenges ahead, Binance aims to address these issues, understanding that at the current rate of progress, it will take another 286 years to close the gender gap. Initiatives like the Binance Academy, offering free crypto education resources in over 30 languages, underscore the company’s commitment to equality and diversity.
Binance’s commitment extends to empowering women across Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The goal is to provide opportunities for women to actively engage in the crypto, tech, and web3 industries, steering the narrative away from male domination towards recognizing and embracing the exceptional potential of women.
Yande Nomvete concluded by acknowledging the barriers women face in the industry due to bias and perceived male superiority in technology. She emphasized the importance of collective efforts to break down these barriers, creating a more inclusive and dynamic space that truly celebrates the value of women in the crypto industry.