Why women should embrace cryptocurrency

Why women should embrace cryptocurrency (Photo: iStock) You may have overheard conversations about cryptocurrency and perhaps dismissed it as too complex or technical. However, the surging interest in digital assets is no longer something to overlook. As the world continues to evolve through technology and innovation, we are witnessing a dramatic shift in how value is stored, transferred and exchanged. At the heart of this transformation lies cryptocurrency. We sat down with Brian Muriuki, a Nairobi-based cryptocurrency trader and enthusiast, who shared insights from his four-year journey in the crypto space and explained why women should seriously consider stepping into this fast-growing world. "There's a common perception that cryptocurrency is only for tech-savvy men, but that's far from true. With the right information and support, anyone can succeed in this space," says Brian. He began exploring cryptocurrency in 2021, driven by curiosity and a desire for financial freedom. What started as casual research quickly blossomed into a passionate pursuit that now forms the core of his daily work. Cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that isn't issued or controlled by any government or bank. Instead, it operates on a secure and decentralised technology called blockchain. Examples include Bitcoin (BTC), the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, often called "digital gold"; Ethereum (ETH), known for powering smart contracts and many digital applications; and Pi Network (PI), a newer project that allows users to mine crypto directly from their smartphones, designed to make crypto more accessible. "Each coin serves a different purpose," Brian explains, "But the common thread is that they allow you to store and transfer value in a modern, borderless way." To truly understand crypto, Brian emphasises the importance of grasping blockchain, the foundational technology behind it all. "Think of blockchain as a digital notebook," he illustrates. "It's shared, so everyone can see it; it's transparent, so nothing is hidden; and it's locked in a way that prevents any cheating or altering of records." Each "block" stores data and once it's full, it links to the next, forming a "chain." This makes tampering virtually impossible and builds inherent trust in the system. For anyone looking to enter the crypto space, Brian encourages taking a careful, informed approach. He advises starting with research, exploring trusted websites, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels that offer beginner-friendly crypto education, as understanding the basics will save you from costly mistakes. Next, create a digital wallet, which is where you store your cryptocurrencies. Brian suggests beginning with a hot wallet (connected to the internet) such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet, and considering an upgrade to a cold wallet (offline) for added security as your investment grows. After that, choose a crypto exchange, a platform where you can buy, sell, or trade crypto. Brian recommends beginner-friendly options like Binance or Coinbase, stressing, "Make sure the platform is secure and regulated, especially if you're new to this." When buying your first cryptocurrency, you don't need to start big, as many exchanges allow you to buy fractions of coins. "Start small with coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Even Sh1,000 is enough to begin with and learn the ropes," Brian says. Finally, securing your investment is crucial. He warns that while crypto offers freedom, it also attracts scammers. Always use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), protect your private keys, and be cautious with whom you share information. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," he cautions. Brian emphasises that learning about crypto doesn't have to be a solo journey. "Join women-led crypto groups, attend online forums, or find a mentor. Being part of a community can keep you informed, motivated, and protected from common mistakes." There are growing numbers of African women exploring crypto, NFTs, and blockchain projects, proving that this space is not only inclusive but ripe with opportunity for women. While crypto headlines often highlight rapid gains and trendy coins, Brian advises women to take a long-term perspective. "Crypto isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. Focus on understanding the value behind projects, not chasing overnight success. Knowledge and patience are your best assets." The cryptocurrency space is reshaping global finance, and women need to be part of that change. From investing to building blockchain-based solutions, there are countless roles women can embrace. The earlier you start, the more empowered you'll be to navigate and shape the digital economy of tomorrow. "The future is digital," Brian concludes, "and there's no reason women should be left behind."

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