Gender imbalance in web3 tech space | Opinion

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In the realm of tech and cryptocurrency, women have historically been underrepresented, and this trend persists in web3 which emphasizes creativity, openness, and teamwork. Despite its focus on innovation, there is still a striking absence of women in engineering positions. During my visit to DSS and DevCon in Bangkok, I noticed a clear gender imbalance among the speakers and panelists.

However, there’s a noticeable shift happening. The Women in Web3 Hub, initially launched at DevCon 2022 in Bogotá, Colombia, has reemerged this year with a welcoming setting aimed at fostering fresh connections. It provided a casual, open-door atmosphere where anyone could engage in discussions, aligning perfectly with web3’s informal and community-focused ethos.

Markella Gioka and I dropped by The Hub for a relaxed chat about the issue of gender imbalance, and we shared our thoughts with others present. In this article, I’ve compiled the ideas that emerged from our conversation to assist young women in navigating gender bias within technical roles. By sharing narratives of women excelling in the web3 sector, we hope to motivate those contemplating a career in this area.

Understanding gender and its impact on career choices

At the Web3 Center, we emphasized the idea that one’s gender significantly impacts career trajectories, particularly within the tech industry. Unlike sex, which refers to biological distinctions between males and females, gender is a socially defined concept that includes societal roles, behaviors, and expectations assigned to individuals based on their sex.

In the past, societal expectations have traditionally defined what is deemed suitable behavior for both women and men. For instance, during the 1950s, it was unusual and often disapproved of for a woman to work full-time. Women were typically expected to prioritize their homes and families, whereas men were generally viewed as the main providers.

Nowadays, it’s usual to find individuals of all genders in roles such as doctors, teachers, and law enforcement. Yet, it can still be unexpected to see women excelling as engineers or software developers.

The underrepresentation of women in tech isn’t due to a lack of ability or interest; rather, it’s largely influenced by societal perceptions and expectations that shape the roles considered suitable for women. If we seldom encounter women in these sectors, young girls might perceive there as being no room for them, which could discourage them before they even begin. For instance, an analysis by Forex Suggest found that only 6% of the top 50 crypto company founders were female CEOs.

Approximately one-third of the workforce in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are women. By motivating more women to seek education and professions within these areas, we can expand the pool of skilled workers and help close the gender disparity in technology.

For instance, After finishing her studies in computer science at university, Markella seamlessly transitioned into the role of a security engineer.

Markella Gioka: A woman in web3

Markella Gioka earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Athens. Following some internships at Nokia, Meta, and Google, she now works as a security engineer at Dedaub, where she delves into the intricacies and relationships among potential weaknesses in smart contract systems.

2024 saw Markella showcase her work at the De.Fi Security Summit in Bangkok, with a talk titled “Smart Contracts to Embeddings: Leveraging Pre-trained Language Models for Fun and Gain.” Her research illustrates how pre-trained language models can boost the analysis of smart contracts, offering cutting-edge tools to strengthen security.

In a casual chat at the gathering spot, Markella candidly discussed her journey in tech, recounting poignant anecdotes that struck a chord with me. Here is our dialogue, presented as a Q&A exchange:

(Question) Markella, could you share some of your experiences as a woman in the tech industry?
(Answer) Sure, I’d be happy to! There have been challenges, but also many rewarding moments. Let me tell you about one particular experience…

(Question) You mentioned a specific incident. Can you elaborate on that?
(Answer) Certainly. Once, during a team meeting, my idea was dismissed without much consideration because I was the only woman in the room. However, later when the same idea was presented by another male colleague, it was met with great enthusiasm and approval.

(Question) That sounds difficult. How did you handle that situation?
(Answer) I addressed the issue directly with my manager, who acknowledged the problem and took steps to ensure that everyone’s ideas are valued equally in future meetings. It wasn’t easy, but speaking up made a difference.

(Question) What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue careers in tech?
(Answer) My advice is to be confident in your abilities, seek out mentors and allies, and don’t hesitate to speak up when necessary. The tech industry can be tough at times, but it’s worth it if you love what you do!

— What challenges have you faced as the only woman at Dedaub and one of the few in web3?

In my experience at Dedaub and software engineering in general, I haven’t encountered any obvious obstacles to my career progression, but I want to clarify that this doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For instance, there are instances where some people may mistakenly assume I’m not an engineer, often thinking I work in marketing instead. In fact, I’ve had individuals express this belief to me directly.

In addition, when you’re the sole female in a gathering, people may exhibit extra care to avoid missteps or inappropriate behavior, which can feel somewhat awkward, yet it stems from a well-intentioned place. If you’re a woman working in computer science, chances are you’ve been accustomed to being in the minority since your early career stages.

Once upon a time, during my second year at college, an amusing incident happened – I found myself being the lone female student in that class, alongside our professor.

— How has your presence as a woman influenced Dedaub’s work culture?

At Dedaub, I strive to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, open dialogue, and constructive criticism. My identity as a woman doesn’t shape my role, but I believe diverse viewpoints contribute to our collective strength. I’m proud to contribute my unique perspective to our team.

— Since women are often underrepresented in technology fields, is there any notable figure who has inspired you to choose this career path, and in what ways have they impacted your decision or journey?

Indeed, I wholeheartedly concur! Throughout history, numerous women have significantly influenced society, yet they often remain unsung heroes. Take Christine de Pizan as an exemplary figure – she was among the earliest European women in the Middle Ages to make a living through her writing. Breaking free from societal norms, she championed women’s intellectual capabilities at a time when such views were not widely accepted or appreciated.

Ada Lovelace is often recognized as the world’s earliest computer programmer. In the 1800s, her work on the Analytical Engine suggested a broader capability for computers beyond mere calculation; she foresaw that they could be used to generate art and music as well.

While we’re all familiar with debugging software issues, it’s interesting to note that this term was first used by a woman: Grace Hopper. In fact, she is the one who discovered a moth causing a computer glitch back in the day.

I’m confident that web3 technology and innovation will eventually reach a balanced representation of both genders. My peers are aware of the disparity, but we strive to overcome it rather than be confined by it.

— What advice would you give to women aspiring to enter web3 space despite the ‘male dominance’?

In my view, the label ‘male dominance’ doesn’t accurately describe the web3 community. Although the majority of its members are male, I’ve never witnessed anyone dismiss an idea solely because it was proposed by a woman. Instead, I find the crypto world to be remarkably receptive and open to fresh perspectives. It’s also important to note that the average age in this field is quite low, typically below 30 years old, making it a vibrant, youthful community. Web3, including Dedaub, has felt like home to me. For anyone looking to make their mark in web3, I would encourage them to immerse themselves in learning, embrace their fears, and think creatively.

Conclusion

Despite striving for decentralization and inclusivity within web3 technology, it’s evident that women are underrepresented in the discourse. This disparity is influenced by various social elements, such as deep-rooted biases, gender stereotypes, and a scarcity of prominent female role models in the tech industry.

Nevertheless, endeavors such as the Women in Web3 Hub indicate that people are growing increasingly conscious about these matters and are taking proactive steps towards making web3 more inclusive. By providing a platform for women to network, exchange experiences, and uplift one another, these ventures may foster the rise of a new wave of female leaders in the realm of web3.

Giorgio Bonuccelli

As a seasoned sales and marketing professional currently working at Dedaub, a web3 security company focusing on audits and monitoring technologies, I bring a wealth of experience from my tenure at Acronis, Parallels, and Dell. Leading multinational teams, executing data-driven campaigns, and constructing robust sales pipelines are just some of the achievements under my belt.

In my personal life, I find myself drawn to historical cycles and human behavior, which I believe provides valuable insights into our current era by highlighting recurring patterns across different times and places. For instance, the way people fall in love seems to transcend centuries and geographical locations, demonstrating a universal constant amidst the ever-changing world.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about fostering open dialogue and championing inclusivity and diversity, as I truly believe that everyone deserves a voice and an equal opportunity to contribute to our shared future.

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2025-01-10 16:24