Empowering Women in Tech: The Binance Women in Technology Academy Initiative

The academy’s event in Hatay’s Antakya district on March 26-27, 2024, showcased its dedication to this cause. The program delivered comprehensive training on crucial topics like financial literacy, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, NFTs, and cybersecurity. This initiative is structured to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the Web3 landscape. The ceremony concluded with 80 participants receiving certificates, marking a significant step towards integrating women into the tech sector.

Since its inception in January 2024, the academy has already seen the graduation of its first cohort. The partnership between Binance and Wtech is focused not only on introducing women to technology but also on creating leadership opportunities in their careers and societal roles. The project targets a signific даant increase in women’s presence in crypto, blockchain, and Web 3.0, addressing the gender inequality prevalent in these fields. It aims to boost the technological and economic landscape of the region, making it a milestone in achieving gender parity in the tech sector.

Mücahit Dönmez, the General Manager of Binance Turkey, highlighted ’’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. Therefore, Hatay is a valuable location for the Binance Women in Technology Academy program, embracing the innovative spirit that defines Binance’s mission, and laying the foundations for change and development in the city.” 

Dönmez also pointed “Although there has been a positive global trend in gender equality in the crypto sector in recent years, unfortunately, there is still inequality in both technology and crypto fields. As Binance, we have taken on an important role in shaping the future of the industry and are committed to promoting equality and diversity both in our company and across the entire sector. Education is one of the most important elements of our mission to increase financial freedom and achieve gender equality in our industry. Since our inception, through Binance Academy and Binance Charity, we have provided thousands of individuals with free education opportunities, and we continue to do so. However, our mission goes beyond education, and we aim to empower our students to shape the future by giving them courage. We aim to create a future where women are not just participants but leaders in the workplace, where their voices are celebrated, and their potential knows no bounds. We aim to lay the foundations for a future where gender equality is achieved not only in our industry but in all sectors and society.”

Zehra Öney, Founding Chair of Wtech, commented on the program: “As the Women in Technology Association, our main goal has always been to train expert and competent individuals in the field of technology and to carry out focused efforts to increase the number of women in the workplace, production processes, and entrepreneurship. 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, Binance Turkey’s Marketing Director, emphasized “We are working to expand the ecosystem in Turkey. Especially for us, it is very important to include young people and women in this ecosystem. We support women in evaluating new opportunities in their journey towards financial freedom and supporting their development in these areas. Crypto assets, Web 3.0, and Blockchain offer a wide world where not only programmers or investors but also women operating in fields such as finance, marketing, analysis, and strategy can play a role. As Binance Turkey, we are conducting many different studies to increase awareness of crypto assets and blockchain technology in our country. We organize training programs, seminars, and conferences. Additionally, we invest in local initiatives and projects. 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 noticeable gender imbalance in these areas. Therefore, as Binance, we have taken action to address this imbalance with the Women in Technology Academy. Our goal is to ensure that all women benefit equally from the opportunities offered by technology and to increase the number of female leaders in this field.”

This initiative by Binance and Wtech represents a significant step towards closing the gender gap in the technology and crypto sectors. Through comprehensive training and community-building efforts, the Binance Women in Technology Academy is paving the way for a future where women have equal opportunities to lead and innovate in the tech world. The academy’s focus on areas affected by natural disasters highlights a broader commitment to using technology as a tool for societal rebuilding and empowerment.

As Binance and Wtech continue their collaboration, the Binance Women in Technology Academy stands as a beacon of hope and progress, not just for the participants but for the broader aim of achieving gender equality in the tech industry. This program not only equips women with the necessary skills to navigate the digital age but also empowers them to become pioneers in their fields, ensuring that the future of technology is diverse, inclusive, and equitable.

The Binance Women in Technology Academy’s move to Hatay is more than an educational initiative; it’s a symbol of resilience and determination to overcome societal challenges through technology and education. By focusing on empowering women in technology, Binance and Wtech are not only addressing immediate needs but are also laying the foundation for long-term societal change. Eldoğan said, “Through this program, women working in different fields can come together, connect with each other, and share knowledge and experiences”.