Gender Disparities in Cryptocurrencies: Perspectives from Developing and Emerging Economies

Financial inclusion is regarded as one of the most important paths toward gender equality. This seems particularly true from the perspective of innovative technology adoption. However, while cryptocurrency, a major fin-tech product, is a potential instrument to accelerate financial inclusion, previous research on its usage among women remains very limited. Compared to women, men are more likely to own and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as to work in the blockchain and digital asset industries. In developing and emerging economies characterized by the lack of access to education and financial resources, as well as by cultural and societal biases, these disparities may get even more pronounced. In this context, the chapter provides an initial assessment of gender disparities in cryptocurrency usage, with a particular emphasis on developing and emerging economies. Among other recommendations to address the gender gap in the cryptocurrency industry, it is important to increase women’s education and awareness about cryptocurrency and to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. It is also equally important to tell the story of women making strides in the industry and their related contextual solutions in order to address societal and cultural biases.