Women seize space in the blockchain world as cryptocurrency queens

<p> Maliha Abidi, an artist and women's rights activist, is an expert at utilising digital technologies. When she discovered non-fungible tokens (NFTs), she immediately recognised them as a potential means of reaching a broader audience and increasing the visibility of women artists.</p> <p>Abidi, 25, was born in Pakistan and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. A few months ago, she created her first NFT – a type of asset that uses blockchain technology to track ownership of digital items such as images, videos, and collectibles.</p> <p>The activist from the United Kingdom is about to launch Women Rise, a campaign aimed at introducing 100,000 girls and women to cryptocurrency by the end of 2022.</p> <p>She is one of an increasing number of female artists, coders, entrepreneurs, and investors who embrace cryptocurrency and NFTs and advocate for other women to join the blockchain movement and help close the gender divide in this rapidly expanding space.</p> <p>"When I first heard about blockchain, I was sceptical that it was a good fit for me.</p> <p>"However, I was drawn to the art and recognised that artists can contribute to this and that it can be an inclusive space for women and people of colour," she explained via video call.</p> <p>"NFTs provide an opportunity for individuals who have not previously been able to invest in or sell their artwork in the traditional manner. Because cryptocurrency and NFTs are a means of achieving financial independence, it is critical for women and girls to be aware of them," she explained.</p> <p>While large institutional investors drove bitcoin to new highs this year, adoption of cryptocurrencies has increased among younger investors and in developing countries, where anyone with a mobile phone can circumvent the formal banking system.</p> <p>According to platform BrokerChooser, India has the most cryptocurrency owners in the world, with approximately 100 million, followed by the United States with approximately 27 million and Russia with approximately 17 mi