Women in the Web3 space are often discussed in terms of their numerical representation, yet a transformative partnership is aiming to shift the narrative toward ownership and empowerment. Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, and Elodie Jallet, Co-Lead for Romandie and Global Partnerships at the Swiss-founded network WIW3CH, emphasize the importance of funding, technical education, and leadership roles. Their collaboration brings together Bitget’s Blockchain4Her program and WIW3CH to bolster educational initiatives and networking opportunities for women in this rapidly evolving sector.
In a recent interview, Chen and Jallet highlighted the pressing need for such initiatives, given that female entrepreneurs receive a mere 6% of funding across the industry. Chen explained that this disparity was the catalyst behind the Blockchain4Her initiative, through which Bitget has allocated a $10 million fund aimed explicitly at supporting female-led projects. Furthermore, the program is designed to track the long-term successes of participants, analyzing their progress through competitions like “Pitch n’ Slay” and the Blockchain4Her awards. Bitget is also committed to partnering with organizations such as UNICEF to provide digital education to 300,000 young people, which they believe will cultivate a more equitable pipeline for the next generation of leaders.
One of the most significant barriers women face in the industry, according to Chen, is not just the lack of capital but the pervasive stereotypes that create doubt about female entrepreneurs’ capabilities. These barriers are compounded by a dearth of visible role models and mentors, impacting the confidence of those looking to enter the field. The combination of these factors necessitates both structural and cultural changes to enable more inclusive environments.
Chen’s leadership at Bitget reflects a commitment to diversity, with 40% of leadership positions occupied by women. She aims to establish a “safe space” culture where all employees feel empowered to engage and contribute ideas. Meanwhile, Jallet noted the global demand for WIW3CH’s resources, which have expanded from a Swiss initiative into 15 international chapters. This suggests that the need for structured environments where women can upscale their skills and foster professional networks is widespread.
When asked about the specific requests from women in the space, Jallet indicated two primary needs: comprehensive educational resources and access to professional networks. Many women transitioning from traditional sectors such as finance or law seek in-depth technical training and mentorship that includes specialist support in legal and compliance matters to ensure they can build successful ventures.
Unlike many women-focused initiatives that primarily aim for awareness, Chen highlighted WIW3CH’s hands-on approach, which prioritizes practical events and deep educational content. This focus not only equips women with necessary skills but also helps them gain the confidence to navigate a male-dominated landscape.
Looking ahead, both Chen and Jallet envision real progress within two to three years as a landscape where more female-founded Web3 protocols exist, women manage venture capital allocations, and female executives like Chen become commonplace in leadership roles.
Their partnership spans various formats, including podcasts, articles, memberships, and events, designed to cater to different stages of a woman’s journey into Web3. The podcast serves as an introductory point, sharing experiences and challenges. Articles provide educational insights, while events and membership programs establish connections between mentors, peers, and industry leaders, paving the way for women to transition from learning to leadership.
Ultimately, this multifaceted approach aims to support women at every step of their journey, thereby contributing to a more diverse and equitable future in the Web3 industry. As they join grassroots initiatives with institutional reach, Chen and Jallet believe they are taking significant strides toward cultivating the next generation of leaders in this innovative space.
The ongoing commitment to supporting women through educational and networking opportunities is a crucial step in addressing historical biases and building a sustainable, diverse environment in the Web3 ecosystem.
