Women in DeFi, a community founded by Sarah Idahosa, is celebrating its third anniversary this month.
This is three years since the organisation made it their mission to empower women in the world of decentralised finance (DeFi), and blockchain technology.
Since its inception in 2022, Women in DeFi has been at the forefront of providing women with the education, resources, and community necessary to thrive in Web3. The organization has reached over 5,000 women across Africa, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Sarah Idahosa, the founder and driving force behind the initiative, said: “Women have been underrepresented in the blockchain and DeFi spaces for too long, and I founded Women in DeFi to change that.” She also added that this anniversary would mark, not just the growth of a community, but the growth of a movement, where women would step up and lead the way into the future of decentralized finance.
The mission of Women in DeFi has always been clear: to provide women with the tools to succeed in decentralized finance, to help them understand complex blockchain concepts and to empower them to use their existing Web2 skills in the rapidly evolving Web3 environment.
Over the past three years, they achieved many Milestones. They have trained over 3,000 women across Africa in DeFi and blockchain technology. Hosted multiple educational events, including workshops and webinars, which featured prominent figures in the web3, blockchain, and decentralized finance industries. They have also forged partnerships with key organizations in the blockchain ecosystem, such as Propel, StarkNet Africa, Base Africa, and Cassava Network, to provide participants with real-world exposure and opportunities. They have even expanded their global presence with outreach and collaborations in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and more.
Through her work with Women in DeFi, Sarah Idahosa has been dedicated to closing the gender gap in the blockchain space. Over 30% of Women in DeFi participants have already launched their own blockchain projects and successfully integrated Web3 technologies into their careers. Idahosa’s passion for financial inclusion also extends beyond her work with Women in DeFi. She is the Partnerships Manager at MANSA, a fintech providing liquidity solutions to payment companies in emerging markets through stablecoins.
Looking ahead, Women in DeFi plans to expand its influence even further, with upcoming initiatives like: The Women in DeFi Summit, which will be held annually to bring together women in web3 and spotlight women’s growth in the space. Organizing hackathons to help members showcase their talents and attract investment opportunities. Increasing the reach of their educational programs, with more online and in-person workshops to introduce women to blockchain’s most innovative use cases across other African countries. Partnering with top Web3 organizations to provide women in the community with direct pathways into high-growth blockchain companies.
As Women in DeFi celebrates this incredible milestone, the organization is inviting women from diverse industries to join their supportive community. Whether you are looking to learn, network, or build, Women in DeFi offers a platform where women can thrive in the world of decentralized finance.