Why Crypto Is the Key to Financial Freedom - and How Women Can Claim It
- milanwomennetwork
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Crypto’s been around long enough for us to understand the incredible potential it has to put financial freedom within reach of women. It’s not about quick gains or reckless trading, but rather understanding the crypto world and making informed decisions that put you in charge of your finances, beyond the traditional banking system. Now’s the time for women to thrive financially. Fellow MWN member, Caroline (crypto expert) shares her simple, 3-step roadmap to getting started the right way, and entering your era of financial empowerment.
Written by: Caroline O. (Chief Operating Officer)
I got into the world of crypto, thanks to what I witnessed growing up in Brazil.
I saw firsthand how many people lived below the poverty line, how broken governance and economic systems were, and how everyday life often felt like just ‘getting by.’
Everyone knew things were simply not working, politicians knew it too, and even those with good intentions had little chance to make meaningful change when going up against corrupt systems.
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been passionate about finding alternative solutions to the systems we live under. That curiosity naturally led me to crypto…it offered a way to rethink definitions of money, governance, and community.
You may have heard the term ‘hypernormalisation,’ popularised by filmmaker Adam Curtis. It describes how societies can become so used to broken systems that everyone accepts them as normal, even when they clearly aren’t working.
That idea really resonated with me and shaped how I think about the potential of crypto to create real change.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Bitcoin and Ethereum from their early days.
And the work I’m doing now is a natural evolution of that journey - a chance to turn research, ideas, and ideals into something tangible and accessible.
What inspires me is the same motivation that got me started - the belief that decentralised technology can empower people and create systems that actually serve us all.
All of this is so important for women.
For decades, we’ve been subtly (and often openly) discouraged from engaging with money beyond saving and spending.
Finance has often been painted as “boring,” “complicated,” or “not for us.” This conditioning has kept many women on the sidelines, with financial power and access remaining largely in male hands.
Even when women fought their way into traditional financial spaces - as brokers, investors, or entrepreneurs - they often faced disbelief, exclusion, or had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. The barriers weren’t just institutional, they were cultural and psychological.
This is why decentralisation matters.
It’s more than a technological shift - it’s a social one.
It removes gatekeepers, opens doors, and gives everyone the same access to participate, learn, and build wealth on their own terms.
So, what does decentralisation mean?
In simple terms, it means that no single institution (like a bank, government, or corporation) controls the system. Instead, power and decision-making are spread across a network of people.
In traditional finance, we rely on ‘middlemen’. For example, banks approve our transactions, platforms hold our money, and systems decide who gets access. But in a decentralised system, all of this is removed. The technology (like blockchain) allows people to exchange value, store assets, and verify information directly with one another, safely and transparently.
This means more freedom and fewer barriers to participation.
For women, this is not just an opportunity, it’s a potential turning point!
As the world reshapes its financial systems through blockchain, women have the chance to shape them too. To claim a seat at the table early, while the rules are still being written. Because for too long, innovation has benefited men first.
But this time, it doesn’t have to.
Now is the moment for women to step in, explore, and use decentralisation not just to secure their own financial independence, but to help redefine the future of finance itself.
To help you get started, here are your first 3 steps to understand the crypto space, shift your mindset, and step into crypto with confidence:
Step 1: Own Your Knowledge of Crypto
In the world of crypto, knowledge doesn’t just mean power - it means freedom.
Take the time to explore communities, books, podcasts, and other beginner-friendly resources. There's plenty of free content available to understand crypto currencies, the blockchain technology in which it works, and the ways to buy, store and sell.
Your goal is to gain a broad understanding of the landscape, while building long-term habits and investment strategies.
You don’t need a finance or tech degree - just curiosity and a commitment to consistent learning.
How to get started with crypto:
Understand the fundamentals: Learn what blockchain is, how decentralised ledgers work, and why cryptocurrencies are fundamentally different from traditional money.
Blockchain (the technology) is essentially a secure, transparent digital ledger maintained by a network of computers rather than a single institution. (Think of a record book - except now it’s digital, public, and shared across thousands of computers around the world. Everyone can see the same information, which makes it almost impossible to cheat or alter).
This creates trust without intermediaries and allows for financial systems that are open and accessible to everyone. Explore key concepts like wallets, exchanges, tokens, smart contracts, staking, and governance mechanisms in decentralised platforms. Right now, these are random words to you, but when you make use of the resources shared below, you’ll see how easy it is to understand!
Build consistent learning habits: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to read articles, watch tutorials, or listen to podcasts. Focus on understanding the process rather than chasing profits.
Learning step by step allows you to absorb concepts thoroughly and reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed. Even just 15–30 minutes per day of focused learning can compound into substantial knowledge over time.
Curate your resources: Start with accessible content. There are plenty of beginner-friendly courses, newsletters, and podcasts designed to break down complex concepts in simple terms.
For example:
You can also explore community blogs, free online guides, and YouTube tutorials for hands-on demonstrations.
The key is consistent exposure and reflection - writing down questions, summarising what you’ve learned, and reviewing your notes regularly.
Adopt the right mindset: Curiosity, patience, and long-term commitment are essential!
Avoid comparing yourself to others or feeling pressured to ‘catch up.’ Crypto is vast and evolving, so taking time to build foundational understanding is more important than attempting rapid gains.
2. Community over competition
Learning is faster and more empowering when done with others.
In traditional finance, networks and mentorships have often excluded women, making it harder to access opportunities, advice, or guidance.
Crypto is different - it’s by nature decentralised, and many communities are built on collaboration rather than competition.
For women especially, these spaces provide:
Mentorship and guidance: Learn from experienced members who have already navigated challenges you might face.
Shared resources: Access tools, investment strategies, and educational content curated by the community.
Support and accountability: Stay motivated and confident while exploring a space that can feel intimidating if done alone.
How to make the most of being part of crypto communities:
Seek communities that are active, inclusive, and beginner-friendly. Look for spaces that prioritise education and participation over exclusivity.
Participate in discussions, workshops, or online events. Engagement helps reinforce learning, clarify doubts, and build confidence.
Use communities as a sounding board for questions, but maintain personal judgment and critical thinking. Not every opportunity is right for every participant, and learning to assess risks is a skill in itself.
Crypto communities worth exploring:
HER DAO (https://www.her-dao.xyz/) – collective funding and Web3 support
Girls Crypto Club (https://www.cryptogirlsclub.org/) - community for people who want to enter web3, but lack the means to get started.
Boys Club (https://boysclub.vip/) – diverse, inclusive network
Surge Women (https://www.surgewomen.io/) – onboarding and education in Web3
Caroline at MWN Anniversary event, photographed by Chè Milani
Step 3: Turn knowledge & connections into action
Learning and community are important - but true empowerment comes when you put your skills into practice.
How to start with crypto easily & safely
Open a crypto wallet (like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet) and buy a small amount of Bitcoin or Ethereum - maybe $20–$50. The goal is first to get familiar with the process.
Explore staking, earning interest on crypto, or participating in a DAO. For instance, you could stake Ethereum on a platform like Lido to earn rewards, or lend stablecoins on a platform like Aave to earn interest. Even small, practical experiments like these help you understand blockchain applications beyond simply buying and selling cryptocurrencies.
Set personal milestones. Decide on achievable goals, such as saving $100 in crypto over three months or learning how to trade on a testnet.
Small, incremental goals build confidence, reinforce good habits, and help you steadily grow your skills and financial independence.
Your Next Step
The most important part of starting your crypto journey is taking action in a safe, supportive environment.
That’s why I’m hosting a workshop on October 29th with Milan Women Network. It’s designed to give you hands-on experience in navigating the crypto space.
At the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Make your first crypto transaction in a guided setting
Explore practical applications like wallets, staking, and basic DeFi tools
Ask questions and learn directly from me
Connect with a community of women taking control of their financial futures
This is your chance to move from learning and observation, to confidence and empowerment!
By participating, you’ll gain the skills and mindset to continue exploring crypto on your own terms, and take meaningful steps toward financial independence.
To join Caroline’s hands-on interactive crypto workshop, join our community (and connect with her in our exclusive Whatsapp group) and then sign up to discover crypto on October 29th.
We hope to see you there!
Enjoyed this finance-themed blog post? Check out Investing Made Simple: 5 Empowering Truths For Women Ready To Own Their Financial Future by fellow MWN member & wealth coach, Indrė.
Proofread & Edited By: Ché Maria Milani
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