The cryptocurrency industry, long dominated by men, still struggles with gender imbalance — but leaders like Bitget’s CEO Gracy Chen are pushing for the change it needs.
Chen spoke about the systemic barriers women face in Web3, pointing to the need for greater inclusivity in leadership roles.
“The decentralized nature of crypto and its ability to change the way the world looks at finance was what initially drew me in,” Chen told Cryptonews in a recent interview.
But breaking into the industry was no easy feat. “One of the biggest challenges was breaking into leadership circles where female representation was scarce. Early on, I had to navigate skepticism and biases, proving my expertise repeatedly in a space where women often have to work harder to be taken seriously,” she said.
Women in Crypto Face Funding and Networking Barriers—Here’s What Needs to Change
Despite the rapid growth of blockchain and crypto, female representation in leadership remains low. According to a Boston Consulting Group report, women make up only about 13% of Web3 founding teams. The barriers are multifaceted—ranging from the lack of visible female role models to gender biases in venture capital funding.
Bitget’s Chen believes that change begins with mentorship and inclusivity. A key challenge, according to her, is the lack of visible female role models in Web3.
“Many women hesitate to enter the space because they don’t see others like them succeeding. This creates a cycle where fewer women enter, leading to lower representation at leadership levels,” she noted. She also pointed out that the industry’s risk-heavy culture has traditionally favored men, making it harder for women to secure funding or move up the ranks.
To tackle these challenges, Bitget launched Blockchain4Her, an initiative aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs in Web3. “More visibility for successful women in crypto, dedicated grants, and networking opportunities can help level the playing field and ensure female founders get the backing they deserve,” she said.
Male-Dominated Networks and Funding Gaps Hold Women Back in Crypto
Beyond representation, networking and funding are also major barriers. “Many key opportunities come through informal networks that are often male-dominated, making it harder for women to break in. Venture capital also tends to be skewed towards male founders, with female-led projects receiving disproportionately less investment,” she said.
Overcoming these structural obstacles, Chen argues, requires a combination of inclusive hiring, mentorship programs and intentional efforts to support women in leadership roles.
When it comes to breaking into the industry, Chen’s advice is clear: “Start by immersing yourself in the space—whether it’s through learning about blockchain technology, trading, or engaging with crypto communities,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of financial literacy and networking, urging women to take advantage of free resources and mentorship programs.
Why Women’s Leadership in Crypto is More Important Than Ever
Looking ahead, Chen is optimistic about the future of gender diversity in crypto. “With initiatives like Blockchain4Her and increasing awareness of gender disparities, the industry is starting to recognize the value of diverse perspectives. More companies are also actively working to hire and promote women, which will have a lasting impact,” she said.
As blockchain transforms the future of finance and technology, fostering diverse leadership will be essential for creating a genuinely decentralized and inclusive ecosystem.
Trailblazers like Gracy Chen aren’t just carving out a place for women in the industry—they are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and representative Web3.
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