International Women's Day: Kenyan Women share their Blockchain stories at the Binance Women's Day event

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as attendees, ranging from crypto traders and blockchain entrepreneurs to industry newcomers, shared their experiences and aspirations in the Web3 space.

While blockchain has often been viewed as a male-dominated industry, the event showcased a different reality—Kenyan women are not just adopting crypto; they are actively shaping its future.

Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, participants explored how blockchain technology is transforming businesses, financial independence, and economic opportunities for women.

Faith Ndinda, founder of Zentech Electronics, took center stage to share her journey of integrating crypto into her business. She joined the Binance crypto community in 2019. Zentech Electronics Kenya, a Nairobi-based enterprise, specializes in selling mobile phones, laptops, and accessories, but what sets it apart is its innovative payment model—customers can purchase gadgets using cryptocurrency.

“I started my business with legacy payment methods, such as card payments but I quickly realized the challenges—bank fees were high, transactions took time, and international customers struggled with currency conversion,” Ndinda explained. “Then I discovered Bitcoin and USDT. It changed everything.”

Ndinda revealed accepting crypto payments allowed her to tame the numerous cases of reversed transactions by customers. “I struggled with taming many reversals in card transactions and mobile money too,” she shared.  “Now, with crypto, I sell to clients in foreign countries without worrying about financial fraud and bank restrictions. Crypto is borderless, fast, and secure.”

For many attendees, her story was a revelation. The idea that blockchain could provide practical solutions to everyday business challenges resonated deeply, especially in a region where financial barriers often hinder entrepreneurship.

She highlighted that many women face cultural and societal barriers when it comes to financial decision-making, but blockchain can serve as an equalizer. “With decentralized finance (DeFi), women don’t need permission from a bank or a middleman to access financial services,” she said. “They can save, invest, and transact on their own terms.”

From crypto fraud victim to crypto expert

Mary Usaji, a developer and project manager at ICP Hub Kenya, has dedicated her career to demystifying blockchain technology for women in Kenya. She believes education is key to increasing female participation in the sector.

“I did my first crypto investment in 2017 and someone sold me the idea of bitcoin mining but it was a scam and I didn’t know. After six months my money disappeared. I thought it was about mining coins in Iceland,’ she recalled. “There was a course Binance was advertising about learning blockchain, so I joined and attended classes for two months. They taught me a lot of things including how to create smart contracts. By attending crypto events and learning every day I became a professional crypto expert.”

Through her role at ICP Hub, Usaji has spearheaded training sessions aimed at equipping women with the skills needed to build decentralized applications, explore smart contracts, and understand digital asset security.

“We don’t just need women using blockchain—we need them leading the charge,” she emphasized. “Women must be at the forefront as developers, founders, and investors in this space.”

Thriving as a female crypto trader

For Faith Mwango, a full-time crypto trader, the road to success has been anything but easy. Trading digital assets requires patience, strategy, and an understanding of market trends—skills she has honed over years of experience.

“When I first started trading, I lost money because I didn’t have the right knowledge,” Mwango admitted. “I almost gave up, but I decided to study technical analysis, risk management, and blockchain fundamentals. That’s when everything changed.”

Today, Mwango trades crypto in Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia, leveraging decentralized exchanges and automated trading bots to maximize profits.

“Many women shy away from trading because they think it’s gambling, but it’s not,” she said. “With the right education, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool.”

She encouraged women to start small and practice before making big investments. “The key is to manage risks. Don’t put in money you can’t afford to lose, and always stay updated on market trends,” she advised.

For attendees interested in trading, she offered some advice. “Start now. The market is growing, and women need to be part of it. We can’t afford to be left behind.”

Breaking barriers and taking the lead

One of the most powerful takeaways from the Binance event was the recurring theme of confidence and visibility. Women in blockchain are often underrepresented, but speakers emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and sharing success stories.

“Have the audacity of a man,” said panel moderator Melissa Kanyi. “Grab the bull by its horns. We do a lot of work but rarely talk about it. If no one knows what you’re doing, you miss opportunities. Let the world know about your work—it could be the financial breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.”

The event also tackled the challenges women face in the male-dominated crypto and blockchain industries. Panelists spoke about initial skepticism from family and friends, lack of mentorship, and the struggle to access funding for blockchain projects.

“People told me crypto was a scam when I started,” Ndinda shared. “Now, my business is thriving because of it.”

Mwango echoed this sentiment, adding that the biggest challenge is often overcoming fear. “Women are naturally cautious, which is good, but sometimes it holds us back. We need to take calculated risks and seize opportunities.”

The road ahead: Women shaping the future of blockchain

As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of empowerment among attendees. Binance’s commitment to gender diversity in the crypto space was evident, with its Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan reiterating the company’s efforts.

“Women now make up 40% of our workforce and 50% of our marketing team,” Conlan said. “While progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go. Events like these are just the beginning—we need to continue pushing for greater inclusion in blockchain and crypto.”

For many Kenyan women in attendance, the event was more than just a conference—it was a call to action. Whether as entrepreneurs, educators, or traders, they left with renewed determination to claim their place in the blockchain revolution.

“The future is female,” Usaji said with a smile. “And in blockchain, that future starts now.”