2018 was massive for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As a community, we have welcomed more new members than ever before. Across the markets, thousands of new products and technologies have been created, and, most importantly, 2018 has seen a surge in interest from a female population. Finally, cryptocurrency has realised that it needs women too. Traditionally, investment and finance is a man’s world. Add technology into the mix and what you get is a male dominated arena, rife with misogyny and male privilege. The only way to tone this down to remove it completely and make the space more democratic, and, more inclusive is to invite more women into the industry. Why has it taken so long? As stated, traditionally, investment has always been a male dominated industry and therefore it has been made very difficult for women to actually get involved in cryptocurrency and technology, despite their being a need for the skills and abilities of the many intelligent women who now work in this space. Through 2018, more and more projects have realised this as the industry becomes more mainstream. Plus, we also have to consider that a big shift has taken place with regards to the type of people involved in this industry, regardless of gender. Through 2018, cryptocurrency fanatics have become more liberal and thus, far more accepting of everybody, regardless of race, creed or gender. Gender discrimination As you should know, gender discrimination still exists within many professional industries which is why our industry needs to start leading by example. If blockchain and cryptocurrency becomes the go to professional arena for skilled and talented female workers, other industries will follow on too. We have the chance to set a trend here that will ensure problems like gender pay gaps are reduced to nothing and that finally, for the first time in history, women are given equal rights to their male counterparts, as will anybody else who identifies as otherwise. Thanks to 2018, the blockchain community finally has a chance to make a difference. Blockchain technology doesn’t just disrupt finance, it has the ability to disrupt the very core of our sociological fabric. Women have made a big impact in 2018 Through 2018 we have seen women make a huge impact, in all aspects of cryptocurrency from legislation within the SEC, to leading the many blockchain and crypto startups that have swung into the markets this year. According to Sarah Austin of Entrepreneur.com, women are already making a splash: “Even though crypto is male dominated, some women are involved and using their talents to further open up the space. Maria Prusakova, for instance, is a lawyer and former Russian Olympian. Like anything, balance is often the best approach, and the concept covers the importance of creating a male/female ratio in cryptocurrency that's as close as possible to 50/50.” This splash isn’t one that aims to make women take the lead within crypto, rather, this is a splash that finally hopes to see equality, where all members of the industry are treated fairly and given access to the same opportunities, regardless of gender.