NFT project World of Women teams up with The Sandbox to promote female inclusivity and representation in the metaverse

NFT project World of Women has teamed up with virtual world startup The Sandbox to promote female inclusivity and representation in Web 3 and the metaverse.

Dubbed the "WoW Foundation," the new initiative will receive $25 million in funding over five years, with the money going towards education and mentorship.

Digital illustrator and non-fungible token (NFT) artist Yam Karkai launched the World of Women network with her partner Raphael Malavieille in July 2021, dropping a collection of 10,000 diverse female NFT avatars.

The WoW Foundation will use the funding to launch a virtual academy for artists and invest in diverse and inclusive spaces for women in Web 3 within the metaverse. The group said it aims to "encourage more female participation by acting as an incubator and providing advice, funding, mentoring and access" to The Sandbox network. The Sandbox is a subsidiary of blockchain gaming giant Animoca Brands.

Free online lessons on Web 3 will also be given through an immersive experience in The Sandbox, and once students have completed the course they will be certified and receive an "NFT diploma." As well as a virtual academy, there will be a WoW Museum in The Sandbox that will be a showcase for the WoW Foundation.

Since its launch in November, World of Women has seen a dramatic rise to the top of the NFT charts, touting a 7.1 ETH (around £13,344) floor price on secondary marketplace OpenSea. The project has benefited heavily Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon's promotions, whose media company Hello Sunshine partnered with the project in February.

Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Sandbox, said in a press release: "Through facilitating the education and funding of women’s projects we hope these programs help establish a generation of influential women builders in the space."