There is a not so quiet storm brewing, in the developing world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, a powerful force is emerging, the women of web3 in Kenya. The launch of the Association of Women in Crypto (AWIC) in Kenya was not just a milestone; it is a growing movement, glad to be one of the listening posts invited not only celebrate but document this milestone. Nothing makes one prouder than to see group passion and a common will for shared knowledge and growth. The future of web3 in Kenya is clearly inclusive, diverse, and undeniably female.
At the heart of this revolution is Chebet Kiping’or, the new regional ambassador of AWIC Kenya, whose vision is to bring more women into the blockchain space—not as spectators, but as pioneers and leaders. With the theme “No Woman Left Behind.” the AWIC launch was a call to action for mentorship, education, and meaningful partnerships in a field that has long been male dominated.
The event was a melting pot of powerful female voices. From Linet, a university leader championing blockchain adoption, to Sheila Waswa of Chasing Mavericks, who had the room dancing in celebration with a flower in hand, so if you ever find an image of myself holding a white flower and dancing, it was for a good cause and don't get it twisted. Sonni from Stellar, whose insights on decentralized inclusion and in her own way growing female inclusion in development resonated deeply—each woman carried a story of resilience, ambition, and vision. The presence of Laura one of web3 growing legal representatives, a legal consultant specializing in tech law and compliance, further emphasized the importance of looking at web3 from various career angles to foster growth and inclusion, if we all understand blockchain relative to our careers and passions, we will be able to grow the adoption, this clearly came out with the matriarch of cafe Mocha, Prof Gachora, who has not only supported the cafe Mocha project, she is the coffee expert, having battled through male filled coffee board rooms to rise to be one of the innovators in web3 through Paul and Peters vision of democratizing coffee trees, they have tokens and coffee on offer, the coffee may last forever the tokens wont, you know what to do, invest in coffee, because modern stock exchange investing is just a ponzi scheme. 🙂
Women in Web3 are few, but they are already making waves. With less just a few women in web3 startups and only 8% representation in the blockchain workforce, there is a pressing need for proactive inclusion. There needs to be intentional, and urgent recruitment and mentorship of women in our industry.
The event was more than just a launch; it was a networking hub where women found guidance, allies, and new opportunities. The discussions centered around onboarding more women into blockchain roles, creating communities for support, and ensuring that adoption extends beyond enthusiasts to real-world applications.
Sonni from Stellar highlighted how women are pioneering new use cases, from NFTs and intellectual property rights to easing government efficiency in blockchain legislation and other real-world solutions. She laid out some very impressive numbers for Stellar having led and guided over 4000 local individuals to web3 and the ongoing support they are offering developers and people interested in the space. They have various current running programs, join the stellar telegram for more. With Stellar’s ambassador program and outreach efforts like the Samburu initiative, thousands of women are already engaging with decentralized finance (DeFi), proving that Web3 is not just for coders but for dreamers and doers alike.
One of the biggest takeaways from the AWIC launch was the importance of education. web3/coding classes have already been set up, onboarding a sizable number of women in Kenya into blockchain careers. Stellar’s upcoming programs in universities like Moi, along with Ugandan initiatives in Chambyogo and Kampala, reflect a concerted effort to bridge the knowledge gap.
Beyond technical skills, discussions touched on gender dynamics in Web3, financial literacy, and strategies to overcome systemic barriers in technology. The sentiment was clear: closed mouths don’t get fed, and women need to actively take up space in this industry.
Stellar represented by Sonni and Lisk, represented by the ever-present Bratipah, stood as pillars of support for women in blockchain, demonstrating their commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment. With a keen eye on providing opportunities, Bratipah emphasized the importance of education, funding, and mentorship to help women break into and thrive in the Web3 space. Whether through grants, developer programs, or strategic partnerships, Stellar and Lisk are actively working to bridge the gender gap, ensuring that more women have the tools and resources to innovate, lead, and shape the future of decentralized technology. We need more chains active on bridging the gender gap in web3.
KibokoDAO is fully committed to supporting women in Web3 through strategic partnerships, hands-on training, and consulting opportunities. By collaborating with key industry players, we aim to create sustainable pathways for women to enter and thrive in the blockchain space. Our programs will focus on equipping women with the necessary technical skills, business knowledge, and networking opportunities to excel in decentralized technology. By fostering a strong, supportive community, we are ensuring that women are not only part of the Web3 conversation but are leading it.
As the event wrapped up, one message rang loud and clear: Web3 is for everyone, but only those willing to step in and take ownership will truly shape its future. Whether through networking, education, or sheer determination, women are finding their footing in the blockchain space. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over—now is the moment to jump in.
With AWIC’s official presence in Kenya and the unwavering leadership of Chebet Kiping’or, the movement is just beginning. Whether through mentorship, technical training, or community-building, the association is poised to transform the landscape of blockchain and crypto for women across Africa.
As Web3 evolves, so too will the women be leading it. In the closing words of Chebet, "If not now, when? If not you, who?"
It was an honor to be in your presence, ladies—thank you, Chebet, for the invite, and I look forward to building fruitful partnerships together! 🚀
Fabian Owuor
