Empowering African Women: Bitcoin Dada’s Story

The internet is entering a new dawn that is blockchain-based. We are witnessing the rise of the internet of value powered by a combination of mathematics, behavioral economics, cryptography & computer science.

In 2008, in the wake of global financial crises,?Satoshi Nakamoto released a Bitcoin White Paper proposing a new protocol where value could be exchanged between peers without the need for a trusted third party, in his words, "Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." This paper laid the foundation of what we now know as cryptocurrencies and, more importantly, the underlying technology - blockchain.

Knowledge and understanding of how this new technology works is crucial, and Lorraine Marcel , the founder of BITCOIN DADA is doing a fantastic job championing Bitcoin education amongst women.

Her work has been recognized globally, and her recent award by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a clear testament to her resilience and dedication towards a decentralized future where no woman is left behind.

I had a Q & A session, and this is Marcel's take:

Genesis & Mission

Ndabari: How was Bitcoin Dada born, and what inspired you to focus on empowering women through financial education, particularly Bitcoin?

Marcel: Bitcoin Dada came to fruition from a personal struggle I faced as an entrepreneur. I was grappling with the need for faster payments and a shield against the constant devaluation of our currency.

My introduction to cryptocurrencies happened unexpectedly when I was contracted to organize an event for a blockchain company. This encounter sparked my interest in cryptocurrencies and their potential to address my business challenges.

Recognizing the transformative power of cryptocurrencies, especially for financial stability, I decided to establish Bitcoin Dada. I chose to focus on women as they are underrepresented in this space, yet they stand to gain significant advantages from this new technology.

My goal is to empower women through financial education, particularly in Bitcoin, and provide them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy.

Success Stories

Ndabari: Can you share some success stories or notable impacts that Bitcoin Dada has had on women's financial independence since its inception?

Marcel: One notable success story is Sarah, a Kenyan student who gained confidence in running her business and investing through Bitcoin Dada's education programs.

With newfound knowledge, Sarah expanded her business by importing products from other African countries and paying her suppliers in Bitcoin. This innovative approach not only streamlined transactions but also enabled Sarah to overcome traditional banking barriers and expand her business operations with ease.

Additionally, several other students have secured employment opportunities in the digital space, further showcasing the transformative impact of Bitcoin Dada.

Tailored Programs

Ndabari: How do you tailor your workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in the digital economy?

Marcel: We design tailored curricula, prioritizing financial empowerment topics such as investment strategies and wealth management while incorporating diverse learning styles and inclusive language. Through hands-on training, participants gain practical skills in Bitcoin use cases, while mentorship programs provide personalized guidance to help women achieve their goals.

Our supportive community fosters networking and collaboration while also addressing systemic barriers like gender bias to create inclusive spaces where women can thrive and succeed in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Bridging the Gender Divide

Ndabari: In what ways does Bitcoin Dada aim to bridge the gender divide, and what role does Bitcoin play in this mission?

Marcel: Bitcoin Dada aims to bridge the gender divide in cryptocurrency by prioritizing education, empowerment, and community-building for women. Through tailored programs and supportive networks, we provide resources and opportunities for women to participate confidently in the digital economy.

Bitcoin plays a key role by offering a decentralized and accessible financial system, empowering women with greater autonomy and security in their financial transactions and investments.

Importance of Financial Education

Ndabari: Could you elaborate on the importance of comprehensive financial education in the context of achieving true financial independence for women?

Marcel: Comprehensive financial education is vital for women to attain true financial independence. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt, enabling them to take control of their financial futures.

Additionally, it empowers women to overcome systemic barriers, advocate for themselves, and access opportunities for economic advancement. With financial education, women can build wealth, enhance financial resilience, and break cycles of poverty, ultimately promoting gender equality and socioeconomic mobility.

Challenges

Ndabari: What challenges have you encountered while promoting Bitcoin education for women, and how has Bitcoin Dada navigated these challenges?

Marcel: Navigating financial constraints, language barriers, and cultural differences presents significant challenges for us in promoting Bitcoin education for women. These limitations hinder the organization's ability to deliver quality educational programs, maintain online platforms, and sustain community-building efforts.

Additionally, language barriers and cultural differences may pose obstacles to effectively reaching and engaging women from diverse backgrounds. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission and strive to find innovative ways to overcome these hurdles.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Ndabari: Can you share any partnerships or collaborations that Bitcoin Dada has engaged in to further its mission, especially in reaching a wider audience of women?

Marcel: Bitcoin Dada has collaborated with Bitnob , an off-ramp platform, enabling seamless Bitcoin transactions and local currency transfers among Africans.

Additionally, collaboration with Machankura 8333 , a USSD platform, facilitates Bitcoin transactions without internet access, addressing connectivity concerns.

These partnerships extend Bitcoin Dada's reach and empower more women in Africa to participate in the digital economy.

Women and Future

Ndabari: How does Bitcoin Dada envision the future role of women in the digital economy, and what steps are being taken to prepare them for this evolving landscape?

Marcel: We envision women assuming diverse roles in the digital economy as developers, investors, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This fosters greater diversity, innovation, and inclusivity in the digital landscape, contributing to a more vibrant and equitable digital economy and driving positive impact and change on a broader scale.

Feedback & Success Story

Ndabari: What feedback or insights have you received from participants in your programs, and how has this feedback influenced the development of Bitcoin Dada's initiatives?

Marcel: To answer your question, Ndabari, This is Cecilia Chinomso's (student from Nigeria) story in her own words.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered BTC DADA through LinkedIn during a time when my interest in Bitcoin was burgeoning. At that point, I was devouring every piece of information related to Bitcoin that came my way.

When I stumbled upon the application for BTC DADA's Cohort 4, I immediately clicked on the link and applied. The name 'dada,' meaning 'dreadlocks' in Nigeria, caught my attention ??, and the fact that it was a program exclusively for females intrigued me even more.

The program proved to be fascinating as I had the opportunity to learn alongside girls from various parts of Africa; my cohort had just two Nigerians. I cherished the diverse teachings from different tutors, ranging from Vlad, Simon, and Okin to Marcel herself. What resonated deeply was understanding the significance and practical application of Bitcoin in empowering women.

Amidst my training, I applied for the Africa Bitcoin Conference Fellowship. To my delight, I received an acceptance email in October granting me the opportunity to attend the Africa Bitcoin Conference in Ghana. This experience was truly transformative, expanding my horizons and allowing me to connect with trailblazers in the Bitcoin space.

Furthermore, I'm excited to announce that I've been accepted into Chaincode's three-month program.

This program offers me a unique opportunity to contribute to Bitcoin Core, allowing me to deepen my involvement in open-source projects related to Bitcoin and Lightning technology.

Presently, I'm passionately working on a project close to my heart - a crowdfunding platform aimed at enabling donors to sponsor education scholarships using Bitcoin.

This platform strives to provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth, a cause I am deeply committed to."

Dada - Sisterhood

Ndabari: As "Dada" means, sister in Swahili, how does the sense of sisterhood and community contribute to the overall impact and success of Bitcoin Dada's initiatives?

Marcel: The sense of sisterhood within Bitcoin Dada fosters a supportive network where women connect, learn, and succeed together. This supportive environment promotes peer learning, collective empowerment, and cultural connection, empowering women to overcome challenges and drive positive change in the industry.

Through sisterhood, we create a nurturing community that amplifies women's voices and contributes to their success in the digital economy.

Plans

Ndabari: What are your future plans you might want to disclose?

Marcel: Our primary focus is on expanding our reach across the continent to ensure that the majority of African females have access to our resources and community.

We aim to scale our educational programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives to empower women with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Additionally, we plan to forge strategic partnerships with organizations, governments, and stakeholders to amplify our impact and create a more inclusive and equitable ecosystem for women in Africa.

Through these efforts, we are committed to driving greater financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for African women in the years to come.

Conclusion

BITCOIN DADA embodies the power of knowledge in empowering women in the digital economy. Marcel's dedication showcases that fear, a characteristic of ignorance, dissipates in the face of education.

Hats off to Marcel for her tireless efforts in championing financial education and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future.

For more information on Bitcoin Dada and its activities, check out their website.

By: Ndabari Thuku

[email protected].

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