Disrupting the crypto bro legacy with a new wave of women

In a space where women represent only a fraction of cryptocurrency owners globally, Zina Ashour is leading a movement with her initiative, Women in Crypto Arabia. What started as a small educational effort has since grown into a key platform for women in the blockchain space.

"I started basically educating women, starting from my neighbors and my close friends," Ashour told The Crypto Radio, describing the grassroots beginnings of what is now an expansive educational network.

Ashour’s own crypto journey began in 2017, when she co-founded a blockchain solutions company and started attending crypto events. "I remember at that time when I used to go to events, to attend meetups and events, it was mainly male dominated," she said. "Very few females attending these events."

This male-dominated environment fueled her desire to create spaces where women could feel equally empowered and informed.

Redefining crypto education

The landscape began to shift in 2020, with the rise of NFTs providing an unexpected gateway for women into the crypto world. "NFTs, they offered an opportunity, an entry point for women, given that women are more visual, more into art and more into visual illustrations," Ashour explained.

Inspired by the increasing interest among women, she began hosting workshops to introduce her community to the fundamentals of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Ashour’s workshops target women who are mid-career, aged 27 to 45, often with stable incomes and an interest in exploring new types of investments. Her sessions cover essential topics, from blockchain basics to the realities of crypto investing.

"Some of [the participants], maybe they took the session in February, and they [haven't done] anything. And some other ladies, they actually did invest immediately after, and they made good profits," she said, reflecting on the diversity in her students' approaches to investment.

The journey is not without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges Ashour faces is helping newcomers navigate the vast sea of crypto terminology—and avoiding scams. "The number of scammers, the number of cryptocurrencies that we see every day... they have to be more aware of how to choose, because even the experts in this field, they still get scammed sometimes," she warned.

Creating a community

Ashour sees the UAE as uniquely positioned to support newcomers to crypto, thanks to its strong regulatory environment and the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) services. These factors make it easier for her students to participate confidently in the market.

Beyond cryptocurrency, Ashour is beginning to integrate Web3 concepts, digital ethics, and online behavior into her educational sessions. She believes it’s essential to guide her community through not only financial topics but also the ethical considerations of engaging in virtual spaces.

"I figured out that there should be some kind of knowledge that I should share... how ethically to deal with people within the metaverse or the games, or whatever online virtual world," she explained.

Today, Women in Crypto Arabia hosts regular networking events across the UAE, bringing together a community of women eager to support each other, share knowledge, and explore mentorship opportunities. "It's more about building a stronger community, and basically to make a change through that," she said.

For those interested in joining, Women in Crypto Arabia offers both in-person workshops and online courses. Monthly meetups are open to newcomers, creating a welcoming environment for women who may be curious but hesitant to enter the crypto world.

As blockchain technology reshapes the global financial landscape, initiatives like Ashour’s ensure that women don’t just participate—they lead.

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in our Community podcast.