Penelope Lai
Cyberfeminism in Web3
The research was presented at the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies (ICIHCS 2022) held at Stanford University in December 2022.Paper Title
How Decentralized Blockchain and the Web 3.0 It Enabled Can Better Empower Feminist Movements by Deconstructing Traditional Power Structures--Iteration of the World Wide Web and Increased Gender Equality Opportunities Over Time
Paper Summary
This research examines how decentralized blockchain technology and the evolution of Web3 can enhance feminist movements by dismantling traditional power dynamics. By tracing the progression of the World Wide Web from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, it identifies how Web3 presents unique opportunities to advance gender equality. Unlike its predecessors, which were constrained by technical limitations and centralized control, Web3’s decentralized structure facilitates transparent, secure interactions. The paper explores how blockchain-based innovations, such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and women-led NFT communities, empower women to achieve equitable access to property and economic rights, establishing new avenues for social and financial empowerment.
The study highlights four key areas where blockchain and Web3 contribute to gender equality: decentralized access to financial resources, the development of transparent and participatory DAOs, the emergence of NFT-based feminist communities, and the solarpunk vision for an egalitarian future. By bridging emerging technologies and social transformation, this work seeks to inspire a deeper discourse on blockchain’s potential to support feminist movements and drive social justice. It advocates for heightened awareness and engagement with Web3 initiatives to foster gender equality, advancing the vision of a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.
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