Intersectionality – Discussion

The Insight Hour by Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse this afternoon looked at ‘Intersectionality’ in dealing with abuse in the workplace and society.

It was a pleasure to be invited to this panel to discuss this important topic.

As stated by Audre Lorde “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives”

Recognising the multifaceted lived experiences of people is paramount to providing the support they need to thrive, whether in the workplace or society.

Intersectionality, as coined by Kimberlie Crenshaw, Black feminist and legal scholar, raises our awareness to give attention and recognition to the nuances that exist between people who may be grouped similarly, our biases to this fact, and the compounding impact different areas of inequality and disadvantage have all at the same time in an individual’s lived experience.

A black bi-sexual individual with neurodiversity will have different needs from a black woman with a disability.  A white male experiencing domestic abuse will have different needs from a white male from an economically deprived background. An individual will experience all of their challenges and issues simultaneously whether we choose to focus our efforts on one area or not. Organisations can tend to be blindsided by the linear focus of policies and processes in their efforts to bring about inclusion and equality. Intersectionality is about equity.  One issue, challenge, or disadvantage an individual faces does not go on holiday to give the other issues being faced an opportunity for separate focus.

We can and should do more as employers and leaders to help bring greater understanding to this area.

If you would like some help doing just that for yourself or in your organisation book a call with me. Let me help you raise awareness and understanding of Intersectionality and its impact within your organisation.

#intersectionality #leadership #inclusion #diversity #equity #equality