"Let's hear it for the brave women who attended and anyone over 40." This took me by surprise. But I certainly appreciated the sentiment. I didn’t expect just showing up to FarCon to spark this discussion.
I guess I don't think of needing courage to attend a conference. But if I zoom out, yes, maybe so. Or maybe I've just gotten used to being one of the few -- sometimes only -- women on a stage or in a meeting. Or if there's one or two more, it's a big deal. I was truly happy there was even one other woman speaking at FarCon. (hi Adrienne! lol)
One of the surprising questions I was asked a few times last weekend was about how I felt being a woman in crypto. And why I thought there weren’t many others. I didn’t expect it to be such a topic of discussion. But there are some very thoughtful, self-aware, genuinely concerned men on Farcaster. The crypto bro toxic vibe that flies around the bird app and so many discords is minimal on the purple app. And in the other communities I choose to be a part of as well.
But I was still surprised that just showing up with lady parts would be applauded. Sometimes just showing up is hard though. Especially when it’s out of your comfort zone. So it got me thinking – what is it about this “brave” woman over 40 that keeps her coming back?
I wasn’t a very athletic kid (except swimming) but even so I wanted to play baseball. There was no softball for girls at that time so I joined Little League and played with the boys, the only girl on the team, and only 1 other in the league. It’s also when I learned that I have virtually no hand/eye coordination so I became “Queen of the Walks” as my Dad used to call me. I wouldn’t even try to hit but luckily the pitchers always sucked so I’d at least get on base. I only played one season.
Fast forward to law school—I was interested in sports and entertainment law and was thinking about becoming an agent. I had won my schools negotiation competition and loved contracts as well as IP. During an event, a couple panelists told me flat out that women can’t be agents—no one will hire them, even the women athletes. One panelist worked for the top sports agency in Boston; the other was the VP of a pro team you all know (and probably hate). I took the note and focused on IP.
And there’s more examples like this when I look back. So why did I stay this time? It hasn’t always been easy. But something has kept me here.
Because this time is too important. There’s too much on the line for us to leave out half the population. Because women want access to capital that we’ve been lacking for so long. And if I leave, that’s one less woman to say gm when the next woman finds her way here.
I feel dumb saying this but this is where I feel I can actually change the world and have an impact. In this nascent space. So why would I leave? And where would I go? All my frens are here now. So I guess you’re stuck with me now.
But I don’t have the answers as to how we get more women on Farcaster or in this space in general. Creating a open environment that feels comfortable and inviting is a good first start. As we build more utility, community, and cool stuff, more will find their way here.
For now, I’m staying. And I do love me some provenance. I now get to say I was one of the first women to present at FarCon. So that's something.
Do you think it takes bravery to be a woman in web3? Why do you think there aren’t more woman on Farcaster?
(As I write this I’m vibing to “Settling” by The Park. I recommend you do the same.)
Previous posts:
The smartness of being the dumbest person in the room
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