Throughout history, women have faced significant barriers to achieving financial independence. Laws, social norms, and financial institutions have not always been fair to us. Today, Bitcoin presents itself as a powerful tool to overcome these limitations, offering an accessible and autonomous option. But before diving into why Bitcoin makes sense for women, let’s take a brief look at the history.
In many countries, women did not have the same rights as men to manage their money until the late 20th century. In Spain, it wasn’t until 1981 when the Civil Equality Law was passed, allowing women to manage their assets without a husband’s consent. In Argentina, legal equality came with the Civil Equality Law of 1968, although some limitations persisted. In the U.S., the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 prohibited gender-based discrimination in accessing credit.
Today, in several Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, women still face barriers to opening bank accounts or managing their money without the approval of a man. According to the World Bank, in the Middle East and North Africa region, only 26% of women have access to a bank account, compared to 49% of men.
Women’s limited access to financial autonomy is directly linked to their vulnerability in situations of domestic violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that economic dependence increases the risk of women experiencing gender-based violence. According to the World Bank, women who do not control their income are 50% more likely to suffer violence compared to those who have financial independence.
Bitcoin not only offers a financial solution to these problems, but through networks like the Lightning Network, it has become a more inclusive and accessible tool. Elizabeth Stark, co-founder and CEO of Lightning Labs, stated: “Bitcoin can provide financial freedom to billions of people”.
While Stark was not specifically referring to women, it is clear that within those billions, a significant portion are women in vulnerable economic situations.
In Latin America, the phenomenon of the “feminization of poverty” is clear. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), of all people in poverty in the region, 54% are women and 46% are men. This disparity reflects the structural and social barriers that prevent women from accessing formal employment, leading to greater economic vulnerability.
Bitcoin is more than just a cryptocurrency. For many women, it represents a tool to defend human rights and achieve financial independence. In a world where women are disproportionately affected by poverty and financial exclusion, Bitcoin can make a difference in their path toward financial freedom. As the Human Rights Foundation aptly points out, “Bitcoin is not just money; it is a tool for freedom.” And for women, that freedom is key to advancing toward real and sustainable equality.
