In the evolving realm of Bitcoin development, the emphasis is increasingly on the quality of work rather than the gender of the developer. However, many female developers, particularly those from Africa, have found it challenging to navigate this space. Lorraine Marcel, a prominent figure in this effort, founded both Bitcoin Dada and Dada Devs, initiatives aimed at empowering female developers within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Bitcoin Dada serves as an educational platform for African women, offering both virtual and in-person training. In contrast, Dada Devs is a non-profit organization designed specifically to support, mentor, and train female software engineers interested in Bitcoin and Lightning Network projects. During an interview, Marcel articulated the importance of representation, noting that “people often look for spaces where they can relate to those around them.” She acknowledged the prevailing demographic of the early Bitcoin developers, which has largely been dominated by white men.
This lack of representation can lead to feelings of uncertainty among women in the field, especially African women, who may question their place in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Marcel’s mission revolves around ensuring that those with the necessary skills find pathways to contribute confidently to Bitcoin projects.
Dada Devs arose from Marcel’s observations at Bitcoin Dada, where many female developers expressed a desire for more tailored opportunities. While programs from organizations like Chaincode Labs and Btrust were beneficial, the developers sought a community specifically designed for African women. “It became clear that there was no dedicated space within the Bitcoin ecosystem designed for these women,” Marcel explained. Dada Devs thus aims to provide an incubation environment for women to tackle problems within their communities using Bitcoin and Lightning-based solutions.
As the initiative continues to grow, plans are underway to establish a physical hub in Kenya to enhance in-person collaboration among women builders, with a scheduled launch in late February. Marcel noted that similar sentiments regarding intimidation and exclusion are felt globally by women in tech. At a recent Africa Bitcoin Conference, a workshop titled “Women Building the Future” attracted female participants from diverse backgrounds, all of whom shared their experiences of feeling sidelined and pressured to prove their worth.
Lisa Neigut, a Lightning Network developer, resonates with Marcel’s observations, having entered the Bitcoin space in 2018. While she credits a mix of luck and mentorship for her acceptance, she recognizes that not all women in tech have access to these advantages. Many female developers historically found their entry into this realm through support from male colleagues or partners.
Neigut highlighted the role of seasoned female developers like Amiti Uttarwar, who has transitioned from coding to mentorship, helping women navigate the challenges within Bitcoin development. Neigut emphasized the need for more female-to-female mentorship to bolster retention and success among women in the field.
Despite the hurdles they face, many female developers express a desire for their work to be assessed based exclusively on merit rather than gender. Both Marcel and “Satsie,” the founder of the Bitcoin Dev Project, stress that women want to be evaluated solely on their skills and contributions. Satsie noted that many women opt to contribute under pseudonyms, prioritizing privacy and allowing their work to speak for itself.
Satsie also pointed out the benefits of diversity in development teams, arguing that a more varied group will likely create more robust solutions for Bitcoin that cater to a wider audience. Ultimately, she reiterated the notion that opportunities should be equal and that the focus should remain firmly on the work produced, allowing merit to shine through over gender biases.
