Are Web3 Communities for Women Still Needed?
As the Web3 space continues to grow and evolve, the question arises: are Web3 communities for women still needed? Historically, women have been underrepresented in the technology industry and continue to face challenges in the Web3 space. I am not going to quote the statistics that we have heard time and time again on reduced number of women developers, investors, VCs’ etc. we have in every aspect of the technology industry as this is not the point of my post today.
The question of whether or not women-centric groups, communities, and networks are necessary in a world that actively promotes gender equality is a complex one, with arguments on both sides. Everybody is free to have an opinion, to support or not women communities or refuse to join one, though I have seen women avoiding the subject altogether. I mean I get it, sometimes when speaking at an event 80% of the time you get the question “How is it to be a woman in tech/web3/crypto/blockchain?” And it can be annoying sometimes because you’re there to share knowledge, information, not to have shallow conversations. I find that instead of seeing an all women panel at conferences, it would be much more beneficial to see both genders on stage, actively discussing the industry and coming up with solutions together.
Let’s have a look at a brief history of UK business clubs before we launch into discussing both the pros and cons for women centric communities and come up to a conclusion.
Brief history of men-only business and networking clubs in the UK
Male-centric communities, networks, and exclusive business clubs have a long history in the UK, dating back to the early 19th century. These organisations were created to provide a space for men to socialise, network, and conduct business away from women, who were seen as inferior and unsuited for such activities those days.
One of the oldest and most well-known is the Athenaeum Club in London, which was founded in 1824. The club was exclusive to men and served as a hub for intellectuals and business leaders to discuss ideas and network. It was one of many similar clubs that sprang up in major cities across the UK in the 19th century.
In the 20th century, male-centric communities and networks became more formalised, with the establishment of organisations such as the Institute of Directors in 1903 and the Rotary Club in 1905. These groups were primarily focused on business and professional development, but they also served as social networks for men.
Today, there are still many exclusive male-centric communities and networks in the UK, however, there has been a growing push towards greater diversity and inclusivity in recent years, with many organisations opening up their membership to women and other underrepresented groups.
Brief history of women-only business clubs in the UK
Throughout UK history, there have been a number of women-only business clubs established to provide a space for women to network, share ideas, and support each other in their professional endeavours. Here are a few examples:
The Women's University Club (WUC): Founded in 1886 in London, the WUC was one of the first women-only clubs in the UK. It was established to provide a social and intellectual space for women who had attended university, as at that time women were excluded from many other social and intellectual circles.
The Women's Engineering Society (WES): Founded in 1919, the WES was established to support women working in engineering and technical fields. It provided a space for women to network, share ideas, and support each other in their careers.
The Women's Business Club: Founded in 2013, the Women's Business Club is a modern women-only business club that provides networking opportunities, training, and support for women in business. It has chapters throughout the UK and is open to women at all stages of their careers.
We established that both men and women tend to form groups, network, support each other, conduct business and socialise in groups, some mixed and some gender based. What I don’t understand is this: why is there a negative connotation associated with women’s communities in web3? Let’s have a look at some arguments on both side of the spectrum.
Arguments in favour:
Addressing Gender Inequalities: Despite progress towards gender equality, gender inequalities still exist in various industries, including the Web3 industry. Women’s groups and networks provide a platform for women to share experiences and address these inequalities. For instance, such groups can address gender pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership positions, and access to funding and resources.
Safe Spaces: Women groups provide a safe and supportive space for women in the male-dominated tech industry. These spaces foster a sense of belonging, encourage participation, and provide opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Such communities can also help combat harassment and discrimination that women may experience in online spaces.
Arguments against:
Division and Discrimination: Critics argue that creating women-centric groups, communities, and networks can lead to gender divisions and perpetuate discrimination. Such communities may also reinforce gender stereotypes and restrict opportunities for men in the industry. This approach may also conflict with the principles of equality and fairness.
Lack of Diversity: By focusing on women-only communities, there is a risk of excluding other underrepresented groups, including individuals who identify as non-binary or transgender. Additionally, women-centric groups may fail to engage men as allies in promoting gender equality.
My personal take is that critics who argue that creating women-centric groups, communities, and networks can lead to gender divisions and perpetuate discrimination, often base their arguments on the assumption that these groups exclude men or do not allow men to participate. However, most women’s groups I know are not exclusionary; they are formed to promote gender equality by addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by women in the industry.
Moreover, such groups do not necessarily perpetuate gender stereotypes or restrict opportunities for men in the industry. Instead, they help create a more diverse and inclusive environment by providing opportunities for women to participate, learn, and grow. This approach is in line with the principles of equality and fairness, as it aims to level the playing field by addressing systemic barriers that women face in the tech industry.
Women-centric groups can also provide opportunities for men to participate and become allies in promoting gender equality. For instance, some groups have male mentors who offer guidance and support to women in the industry. By engaging men in these initiatives, we can create a more inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone.
In conclusion, I believe women's Web3 communities are still needed to address gender disparities, provide safe spaces, promote education, and foster diversity and innovation. The Web3 space has the potential to transform our world, but it must be inclusive and equitable to realise this potential. By supporting women in Web3, we can build a more diverse and resilient decentralised ecosystem.