Web3Ladies, a community dedicated to empowering women in Web3, has received a $3,000 grant from Yellow Card, a cryptocurrency company, to support the training of 500 Nigerian women in blockchain and tech skills.
The grant, announced over the weekend, is aimed at narrowing the gender gap in the tech space, a sector that remains largely male-dominated. Yellow Card highlighted that although Nigeria boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial scene, only 15% of tech startup co-founders are women. Furthermore, a 2018 LongHash study found that women made up just 14.5% of the workforce across 100 surveyed blockchain startups.
According to Yellow Card, their decision to support Web3Ladies stems from a desire to increase access to technical education and digital tools for young women across Africa, many of whom face systemic challenges in entering the tech industry.
Investing in Future Female Talent
Nkechi Enebeli, Associate Program Manager at Web3Ladies, expressed appreciation for the partnership, describing it as both financial backing and a meaningful collaboration.
“Yellow Card’s support is a powerful validation of our mission. It goes beyond funding, it symbolizes a shared vision for a more inclusive tech space. We are thankful for their belief in our goals and commitment to empowering women in tech,” she said.
Yellow Card’s Commitment to Inclusion
Jason Marshall, Chief Operating Officer at Yellow Card, stated that many women and girls lack access to digital education, which made the decision to fund the mentorship program an easy one.
“This initiative is part of YC Social Good, our corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm focused on inclusion and financial empowerment in Africa. Empowering women with tech skills is part of our larger mission to drive real change across the continent.”
Marshall also pointed to future workforce trends, noting that 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to require digital competencies by 2030. Yet, UNESCO reports that only 30% of women in the region pursue STEM education, with even fewer acquiring the digital skills needed for the modern job market.
Through YC Social Good, Yellow Card aims to address this digital divide by equipping young Africans, especially women, with the tools to lead Africa’s tech-driven future.
About the Web3Ladies Mentorship Program
The Web3Ladies mentorship program is a three-month intensive boot camp designed to produce skilled designers, engineers, and project managers for the blockchain industry. Participants also gain access to vital tools and resources to support their career growth beyond the program.
By joining forces, Web3Ladies and Yellow Card aim to unlock opportunities for young Nigerian women, promoting equity and innovation in Africa’s growing digital economy.
