In an inspiring move toward gender equality and technological empowerment, Binance, the global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency services, in partnership with the Women in Technology Association (Wtech), has taken a significant step by launching the “Binance Women in Technology Academy.” This initiative aims to nurture and enhance women’s skills in the fast-evolving tech sector, with a special focus on those affected by the recent earthquake in Hatay, Turkey.
The academy’s educational programs were rolled out in Hatay’s Antakya district on March 26-27, 2024, targeting young female university students. These programs offered comprehensive training in financial literacy, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, NFTs, cybersecurity, and more, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the Web3 world. The initiative saw 80 participants being awarded certificates at the end of the training sessions.
This collaboration between Binance and Wtech represents a significant milestone in efforts to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry, particularly in the fields of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3. The academy not only introduces young women to the world of technology but also opens up avenues for them to lead in their careers and contribute to societal development.
Empowerment in the Wake of Disaster
Mücahit Dönmez, General Manager of Binance Turkey, underscored the importance of Hatay as a focus for their initiatives, especially following the devastating earthquake on February 6. Dönmez highlighted Binance’s commitment to supporting the earthquake victims through various donations and the construction of steel houses used as schools.
He stated, “As Binance TR, we have taken important steps to show our support for earthquake victims. Binance donated $100 worth of BNB to each of its users in the earthquake-affected areas of Turkey. Additionally, donations collected through Binance Charity were sent to the Turkish Red Crescent to support earthquake victims, and steel houses were built through our donation to AHBAP and opened for use as schools.”
The establishment of the Binance Women in Technology Academy in Hatay symbolizes a step toward embracing innovation and fostering development in the region. The program is also a response to the global need for gender equality in the tech sector. Despite some progress, the disparity remains, prompting Binance to champion the cause of equality and diversity within the industry. Education forms a cornerstone of this mission, with the academy aiming to empower women to become leaders and advocates for gender equality across all sectors.
Zehra Öney, Founding Chair of the Women in Technology Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact, especially in the aftermath of the earthquake. The initiative aims to train competent individuals in technology and increase the number of women in the workplace and entrepreneurship. The program in Hatay attracted high interest, indicating a positive step toward training qualified women leaders in Turkey and beyond.
Öney expressed, “After the earthquake that deeply saddened all of us, we had carried out very strong and focused disaster relief efforts in Hatay. Therefore, after awarding certificates to the first 50 graduates of the Academy and preparing them for employment, we turned our direction towards the earthquake zone and offered this program to 80 university student girls in Hatay. Fortunately, there was a very high interest in the program. After the training, by inviting our young girls here, we made a good start to train strong qualified women leaders who will fill this gap in Turkey and beyond.”
Harika Eldoğan, Marketing Director of Binance in Turkey, outlined the ambitious goal of educating 5,000 women over five years. The academy seeks to expand the tech ecosystem in Turkey by incorporating young people and women, offering them a path to financial freedom and development in the fields of crypto assets, Web3, and blockchain technology. Eldoğan stressed the importance of addressing the gender imbalance in these promising fields and highlighted the academy’s role in creating a community where women from different fields can connect, share knowledge, and experiences.
She further added, “We carry out special projects to contribute to the development of our women and to increase financial literacy. In today’s world, where technology is rapidly advancing and affecting many areas, new technologies such as blockchain and crypto assets are transforming financial markets. Although these are new and promising fields, there is a noticeable gender imbalance in these areas. Therefore, as Binance, we have taken action to address this imbalance with the Women in Technology Academy.”
The Binance Women in Technology Academy stands as a beacon of hope and progress, not only in promoting technological and financial literacy among women but also in driving the economic and social development of regions affected by natural disasters. Through education and community building, the academy aspires to lay the foundation for a future where women lead and excel in the technology sector, thereby achieving gender equality in all facets of society.
