A jargon-free introduction to digital tokens and why they matter for financial inclusion.
The crypto industry loves jargon. It makes insiders feel smart and keeps outsiders feeling excluded. This is not an accident—gatekeeping through language is one of the oldest tricks of patriarchal power. Let's break it down in plain language.
What Is a Token?
A token is simply a digital representation of something valuable. That's it. Think of it like a ticket, a coupon, or a certificate—but digital and secured by cryptography so it can't be faked or duplicated.
Tokens can represent almost anything: money, ownership in a company, voting rights in a community, access to a service, or even unique digital art. The token is not the thing itself—it's proof that you have a claim to the thing.
Why Should You Care?
Tokens matter because they can represent value without requiring permission from traditional gatekeepers. Historically, if you wanted to own shares in a company, you needed a brokerage account. If you wanted to transfer money internationally, you needed a bank. If you wanted to prove ownership of something, you needed lawyers and paperwork.
Tokens can do all of this without intermediaries. This is especially powerful for people who have been excluded from traditional financial systems—which, not coincidentally, includes a disproportionate number of women globally.
Types of Tokens
Currency tokens are meant to be spent like money. Bitcoin and stablecoins fall into this category.
Utility tokens give you access to a service or platform. Think of them like arcade tokens or gift cards.
Security tokens represent ownership in something, like shares in a company. They're subject to financial regulations in most countries.
Governance tokens give you voting rights in a decentralized organization. They're like shareholder votes, but for internet communities.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) represent unique items—art, collectibles, property deeds, or anything one-of-a-kind.
The Feminist Opportunity
Tokens enable new forms of ownership and value creation that don't require permission from existing power structures. Women artists can sell directly to collectors. Cooperatives can issue tokens to members. Care workers can be compensated through community tokens.
The technology is neutral—but how we use it is not. We have the opportunity to build token systems that value traditionally undervalued work, that distribute ownership broadly, and that include rather than exclude.
Getting Started
You don't need to understand everything to participate. Start by setting up a wallet, acquiring a small amount of cryptocurrency, and experimenting. Join communities that welcome beginners. Ask questions. The best way to learn is by doing—and by teaching others what you learn.