Living at the Intersections: Why Intersectionality Matters for Social Justice

Leila walks into the meeting room, her presentation ready. As she begins to speak, her manager glances at his watch and nods politely, while her male colleague, who speaks next, is interrupted with questions and praised for his ideas. During lunch, coworkers whisper about her “lifestyle choices,” laughing as she passes by. On the subway home, strangers make assumptions based on her appearance. These interruptions, whispers, and glances happen because she is a woman, a person of color, and a lesbian, shaping the way she is treated, limiting her opportunities, and adding daily challenges. Leila’s experiences illustrate how multiple aspects of identity can combine to shape the discrimination someone faces.

What Intersectionality Means

The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. She introduced it to show that discrimination does not follow a single, uniform pattern, but manifests in multiple forms and dimensions. Different combinations of these forms create intersecting experiences of privilege and oppression. Intersectional discrimination can arise, for example, on the basis of sex, gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status, often interacting in ways that produce unique challenges for those affected. This framework helps us understand why people like Leila face challenges that cannot be explained by a single identity factor alone, making their experiences of disadvantage both complex and specific.

Why It Matters for Gender Equality

To achieve gender equality, it is essential to recognize that individuals cannot be seen as a single, homogeneous group, but as people with multiple identities, experiences, and life situations. These differences strongly influence the barriers, opportunities, and types of discrimination individuals encounter. Intersectionality highlights how all aspects of a person’s identity interact and shape their experiences. Ignoring other dimensions risks overlooking important factors, which increases the marginalization of those already most affected by discrimination and inequality. To achieve justice in a truly comprehensive way, it is therefore necessary to adopt an intersectional perspective; otherwise, efforts only scratch the surface of the problem.

What We Can Do Together

To achieve genuine equality, action is needed on multiple levels. Education and awareness-raising can help people understand how different identities intersect and shape experiences of privilege and discrimination. Policies and initiatives should consider the needs of marginalized groups, while inclusive feminist movements can actively support women facing multiple barriers. On an individual level, listening, amplifying voices, and building supportive networks are essential steps for creating a more just and inclusive society. For example, mentorship programs that support women of color, LGBTQ+ women, or women with disabilities can help ensure no one is left behind. By recognizing and addressing intersecting forms of disadvantage, we can move closer to a society that is fair, inclusive, and just for all.