Right, so let me take you on a bit of a journey. A few weeks back, in one of the online communities I am part of there was a conversation about best books to read on diversity & inclusion. It got me inspired to delve into the pivotal role of gender balance and diversity in sculpting our future. Our guides for this journey are two marvellous books:
Iris Bohnet's "What Works: Gender Equality by Design" and
Caroline Criado Perez's "Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men."
Even though these works don't seem directly tied to web3, they shine a beacon on systemic biases and trace a roadmap towards an inclusive and equitable world, right into the heart of technology and web3. So, let's see how we can channel diversity and gender-inclusive design to create a future that truly welcomes one and all. Read along, mull it over, and let's chat!
“While the macro- and the micro-evidence hold the promise of a business case, gender equality is not a magic bullet automatically leading to economic progress. This is why, at the end of the day, the case of gender equality must rest on a moral argument. It just is the right thing to do. Full stop.”
― Iris Bohnet, What Works: Gender Equality by Design
Bohnet and Perez, they're quite the team, illuminating ingrained biases that saturate our societies and workplaces. Bohnet brings up those subconscious biases that sneak into our decisions, even when we think we're playing fair. Perez, on the flip side, shows us the inherent bias in data, where the 'standard' human is often male, leading to designs that, quite frankly, disadvantage or endanger women.
It's a bit like when orchestras started hiring more women once they put the auditions behind screens, or smartphones being built for a bloke's hand. These biases, unless we sort them out, can shape a world that, by default, shuts people out rather than welcoming them in. Now, that's not the kind of world we want, is it?
And then there's the gender data gap - it's a right pickle, this one. Especially in healthcare, where clinical trials have mostly used blokes, even for conditions that affect women more. This leads to treatments that don't do the job and put women at higher risk. On the financial side, GDP calculations often give women's unpaid work a miss, undervaluing their contributions and overlooking policies that could lend a hand.
These issues won't be sorted by changing individual attitudes, but by transforming the systems and protocols that shape our decisions. Both Bohnet and Perez are advocates for interventions based on solid data and systemic changes. By keeping track of gender disparities, organisations can suss out where the issues lie and how effective their efforts are.
Bohnet suggests taking the bias out of the environment through concepts like "choice architecture." Just tweaking the environment can "nudge" folks towards fairer decisions. Perez pushes for more inclusive data collection and analysis, as well as considering gender differences in design and policy-making.
So, what does all of this mean for our organisations? Well, for starters, we need to recognise the importance of diversity. A diverse team is a creative and innovative one. They bring in different perspectives and experiences that can help companies serve a diverse customer base better. And yes, we're all aware of it, it's been proven, and quite frankly, I could do with not having to repeat it!
“Women have always worked. They have worked unpaid, underpaid, underappreciated, and invisibly, but they have always worked. But the modern workplace does not work for women. From its location, to its hours, to its regulatory standards, it has been designed around the lives of men and it is no longer fit for purpose. The world of work needs a wholesale redesign--of its regulations, of its equipment, of its culture--and this redesign must be led by data on female bodies and female lives. We have to start recognising that the work women do is not an added extra, a bonus that we could do without: women's work, paid and unpaid, is the backbone of our society and our economy. It's about time we started valuing it.”
― Caroline Criado-Pérez, Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Next, we've got to work towards designing gender-inclusive workplaces. This means anonymising applications, standardising interview questions to reduce bias, creating more flexible work environments, and promoting positive role models.
Finally, we have to advocate for and implement policies based on solid evidence and consider the experiences of all genders. For example, adjusting public safety measures to take into account women's experiences or changing workplace policies to better fit women's needs can make a world of difference.
Both Bohnet and Perez have been widely recognised for their insights and contributions. They've sparked conversations about gender equality and the need for systemic change. Still, any author tackling topics like these is likely to face a bit of stick, as they challenge the status quo and start debates. Caroline Criado Perez, in particular, has been open about the online harassment she's faced. But remember, this does not undermine the importance of their work in improving our understanding of gender bias and inequality.
The future we're designing should be for everyone, not just for half the population. As we stride into an era of unprecedented change, let's make sure that our future is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. It's not just the right thing to do - it's a strategic necessity for anyone hoping to thrive in the 21st century.
Our focus should be to foster diversity in the web3 space. Gender-inclusive designs and policies that cater to the needs of all genders should be promoted. These books provide the roadmap for these steps. Because, at the end of the day, the journey towards gender equality isn't just about righting the wrongs of the past. It's about creating a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to succeed. This is the future we must all aspire to create.
Remember, gender equality isn't just a women's issue. It affects us all. Each of us has a role to play in creating a gender-equal future. By raising our voices, we can advocate for change and help shape a future where diversity is not just celebrated, but the norm. Let's make it a reality, in the web3 space and beyond.
PS: If you know of a woman leading a blockchain/cryptocurrency project or initiative that makes a difference in today's world, message me and I will be happy to feature them on my platform.