“There aren’t enough women in tech. By showcasing existing female leaders, we want to fan the spark into a fire; inspire other women to enter the industry, especially in the blockchain arena.” -Jasmine Ng, Director at NEM

The principles underlying blockchain technology — decentralisation, transparency, efficiency — can potentially create a more democratic, equal and empowered society. It goes without saying that gender equality is part of that vision.

Yet so many blockchain and tech events are male-dominated. Indeed, at this year’s North American Bitcoin Conference, only 3 out of 88 speakers were female while in October 2017 MyEtherWallet reported that only 16% of their wallet holders were female.

It’s crystal clear there’s a huge gender gap in the blockchain world.

It is with this in mind that NEM Southeast Asia kicks off KL Blockchain Week with our inaugural Women in Blockchain conference. The event isn’t just for women: featuring female speakers from all over the world, we’ll be highlighting the latest developments in blockchain technology, analysing their impact, and presenting a vision of the blockchain future. If you’re interested in meeting some of the most dynamic movers in the technology sector today, whether it be in healthcare, law or cybersecurity, then this is the place to be.

At the same time, we’re mindful of the challenges that many women face in their daily lives. That’s why this event isn’t just about celebrating the high flying achievements of women in blockchain, but also about supporting vulnerable women at risk of social and economic exclusion. We’ve partnered up with two great causes — Maria Chin Abdullah’s empowerment fund for marginalised women and Sisters in Islam — and will be donating a part of the proceeds to them. After all, as Jasmine puts it: “Strong women lift each other up!”

The Women in Blockchain 2018 conference will be held on 24 September at the NEM Blockchain Centre from 9am to 5pm. We have a day packed with the best speakers and we’ll cover a wide range of topics, so whether you’re broadly interested in new technologies or you’re looking to connect with women in blockchain, there’s something for you.

To find out more/ register, head on over to our event website here.