Tag: afghanistan

A wallet is not a person, it’s a life. A unique individual navigating challenges, triumphs, and dreams. But, in a web3 space often dominated by anonymity and numbers, we risk dehumanizing ourselves.  

When you see a wallet address—a string of alphanumeric characters—it’s easy to focus on what it represents: assets, transactions, or activity on the blockchain. But that address belongs to someone.  

Take, for example, a young woman in Afghanistan who recently learned to code through a Web3 initiative that I wrote about last week. Her wallet isn’t just a tool for storing cryptocurrency—it’s a lifeline. It’s where she receives her earnings for freelance projects, where she saves for her family’s future, and where she holds the key to a sense of independence she never thought possible. To her, that wallet represents freedom in a world where opportunities for women are scarce.  

Without knowing her story, her wallet address could be dismissed as just another string of characters in the blockchain. But her reality is far more profound. Perhaps she’s called mommy and she pays for her mother’s medications, her siblings’ education, and food for her family. 

One of the greatest promises of Web3 is its ability to empower people through anonymity and decentralization. In reality these are not empty buzz-words. 

Web3 wallets allow individuals to participate in the global economy without disclosing their identity or relying on traditional institutions. This is especially critical for people who live in places where financial systems are inaccessible or discriminatory.  

But anonymity can also create distance between us. When we see people as wallet addresses instead of human beings, we risk detaching from the social and ethical responsibilities that come with this new technology. 

I feel, it’s easier to dismiss a wallet as “just another address” than to acknowledge the person behind it and the challenges or triumphs they represent. Am I right?

But, this detachment can have consequences. When we lose sight of the human story behind blockchain transactions, we risk building systems that prioritize efficiency over equity, or innovation over inclusion.   

If Web3 is to fulfill its promise of decentralization, empowerment,  and freedom, we must actively remember the human stories behind the technology. This perspective is vital for our well-being because it ensures that the systems we build serve people—not the other way around.  

I don’t have to turn to research to claim that when people feel seen and respected, they are more likely to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

In the context of Web3, respecting the human stories behind wallets can mean the difference between fostering trust and creating alienation.  

If platforms fail to recognize the person behind a wallet address, they might implement policies or systems that unintentionally exclude them or make it harder for them to participate. But when platforms adopt a human-centric perspective, they make sure that people are supported, included, and given the tools they need to succeed.   

”This is respect for us as human beings and how we create stronger communities”

I dare to say. To me it’s simple, by keeping people at the center, we ensure that Web3 delivers on its promise to empower individuals and solve real-world problems.  

Web3 can be a human revolution if we listen to ourselves and do it right.

In many parts of the world, women face unimaginable hardships. From systemic inequality to cultural restrictions, their opportunities are often dictated by forces beyond their control. After having spent over 20 years in public health I have learnt that when women thrive, their families thrive, and society as a whole benefits. Therefore it’s particularly interesting to hear about how Web3 technology can help women in the face of adversity.

Blockchain technology, is emerging as a powerful tool to amplify women’s resilience. By providing women with access to education, financial independence, and global opportunities, Web3 is not only transforming individual lives but also creating a profound public health impact. Nowhere is this more evident than in Afghanistan, where women are using Web3 to rewrite their futures.

Across the globe, women face systemic barriers that limit their access to education, employment, and financial independence. In many countries, cultural norms and restrictive policies further exacerbate these challenges. Let me paint a clear picture:

• According to UNESCO, 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, with many denied access due to poverty, conflict, or gender discrimination.
• The World Bank reports that nearly 1 billion women globally remain unbanked, unable to access basic financial services.

Let’s remember, that women’s lack of autonomy often leads to poorer health outcomes for themselves and their families, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Afghanistan is a stark example of these challenges. Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, women’s rights have been severely restricted. Girls are banned from secondary education, women are excluded from most jobs, and their ability to participate in public life has been drastically curtailed. For Afghan women, the dream of independence and opportunity seems almost impossible. But here’s where I found this promising project.

Code to Inspire, the first coding school for girls in Afghanistan, are teaching women how to code and earn cryptocurrency. Founded by Fereshteh Forough, Code to Inspire equips women with technical skills and access to decentralized financial systems, enabling them to bypass traditional barriers.

"Before learning to code, some of the women felt invisible. had no way to support themselves or their family. But now, they’re earning cryptocurrency for work, and it’s given them a sense of freedom."

I think ”code to inspire” challenges not only traditional gender roles but also brings real world value to the individual and society. Truly necessary.

Through Web3, these women are not only gaining financial independence but also reclaiming their agency. Cryptocurrency allows them to securely earn, save, and spend money without relying on local banking systems, which are often inaccessible or controlled by restrictive policies. This financial autonomy is a game-changer, especially in a country where women’s economic participation is heavily restricted.

When I worked for the World Health Organization I saw the impact of focusing on women for to improve society. In fact, research consistently shows that when women gain financial independence, the benefits ripple out to their families and communities. Women are more likely than men to reinvest their earnings in education, healthcare, and nutrition, creating a multiplier effect that improves the well-being of entire households. Women are caring and smart.

In Afghanistan, where maternal and child health outcomes are among the worst in the world, this ripple effect is particularly significant. By empowering women to earn and control their own income, Web3 is indirectly improving public health. To be clear,

• women with financial independence can afford healthier food for their families, reducing malnutrition rates.
• With their own income, women can pay for medical care, vaccinations, and medicines for their children.
• Financially empowered women are more likely to invest in their children’s education, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

This connection between women’s empowerment and public health underscores the broader societal impact of Web3.

The story of Afghan women using Web3 is a powerful example of resilience and innovation in the face of extreme adversity. But it’s not just about Afghanistan. Around the world, women are using Web3 to overcome systemic barriers and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. From creators in the United Kingdom using NFTs to earn a living, to rural entrepreneurs in India accessing microloans through DeFi platforms, the potential of Web3 to drive positive change is exciting.

Here I could use buzz-words like the revolution of blockchain technology and it’s premise of freedom and empowerment. But this time it’s about actual utility for people in reality.

I think the story of Afghan women using Web3 challenges us to think about how we can use technology to empower others, create opportunities, and build a more equitable world. When we invest in women, we invest in families, communities, and the future of society. A human-centric web.