Intersectionality: More than Just a Buzzword

Intersectionality is a way of understanding how people suffer discrimination or are disadvantaged because of multiple social categories: race, gender, socioeconomic class, and other identity markers). The Oxford Dictionary defines it as, " The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating an overlapping and interdependent system of discrimination or disadvantage; a theoretical approach based on such a premise."

Think of intersectionality as a lens through which we see and understand certain problems. Intersectionality, a term coined by American civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw, was initially for highlighting the inequalities and oppression Black women face; how that the discrimination black women face is not just a result of gender stereotypes, but also compounded by racial stereotypes. Intersectionality says that all women do not suffer the same levels of discrimination. For example, Black girls are more likely to get more severely punished in school than White girls because they are seen as more aggressive, and are also five to six times more likely to be suspended from their schools than White girls.

These inequalities are not just evident in schools but also in the workplace. Women are less than men in the workplace, black and minority women are even lesser in the workplace. Black women have been shown to be more ambitious and more likely to want to climb up the corporate ladder than white women, and yet they still face societal and occupational obstacles exacerbated by their race and their gender.

They lack mentors, suffer exclusion from teams and projects, and are more likely to prove their competence than others. As such, they struggle to advance in their professions, pushing through hurdles and obstacles, and end up being rewarded with less than equal wages.

A Few Facts

? The State of Black Women in Corporate America 2020 found that 54% of Black women often report being the only Black person or one of the only Black people in the room at work and are more likely to feel excluded (23%), closely watched (41%), and under pressure to perform (49%) compared to other men or women.

? The gender wage gap in tech in the UK is 4%. The gap between the average tech salaries offered to men compared to women is ï¿¡3,000. 

? According to the BCS, despite women and BAME individuals having a higher level of education compared to other groups, they are less likely to have roles of responsibility in the tech sector.

Solving the problems of discrimination and oppression resulting from the overlapping of these multiple social categories requires us to think in unconventional ways and see problems through the lens of intersectionality. In Kimberlé’s words, “You can’t change outcomes without understanding how they come about.” Intersectionality helps us understand inequalities better, intervene, and provide solutions that foster equality regardless of identity. It is crucial to the social advocacy and activism community so that they can effectively address injustice without increasing inequalities for other groups.

School decision-makers, counsellors, and psychologists need to use the lens of intersectionality to understand the inequities, discriminations, and oppression faced by students, especially Black girls based on their identities. This will not only help in identifying and removing structures that predispose them to greater risk, but also help school decision-makers and counsellors create systems that promote fairness, equity, and diversity.

Companies and organisations need to fully commit themselves to close the gender and racial gaps by providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and sponsorship program that foster inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Also, at the level of recruiting and onboarding, organizations can reduce bias in hiring and promotions by instating a diverse team of recruiters and requiring a final diverse set of candidates for roles.

Some Tips for Implementing Intersectionality and Reducing Inequalities and Discrimination faced by certain individuals

? Recognize the multiple oppressions they face – “Until you see the problem, you won’t know how to solve the problem.” This is an essential step to using an intersectional approach to foster equality.

? Understand how these problems intersect at multiple systems and the unique challenges faced by concerned individuals. For example, in the tech industry, we need to understand the differences that women face as a result of class, race, and gender so that we can better promote inclusivity, diversity and foster change for women and girls in the tech sector.

? Recognize and respect the voice of affected individuals and communities. Share their stories, promote, and support them.

How the #BeMe Project is fostering Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) girls’ inclusivity and equality using the lens of intersectionality

The #BeMe Project is affiliated with Academy Achievers, a not-for-profit organization that encourages and promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and activities for children and young people, particularly Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) girls between the ages of 5 and 19, who are of ethnic minorities, vulnerable and disadvantaged in terms of income and education.

Unfortunately, BME girls are grossly underrepresented in participation and engagement in STEM-related activities within K-12 and in higher education. They lack mentors and role models that can motivate and encourage them to pursue their STEM aspirations. Even after striving for excellence in their education, BME women suffer double discrimination in the workforce, at the level of recruiting, and even when trying to advance their careers. They end up getting paid less than other counterparts. In the UK technology sector, black women represent only 1.9% of the total IT specialist workforce.

The #BeMe project aims to inspire and empower one million Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) girls from vulnerable and marginalized communities by increasing awareness and offering training, consulting, and informal educational services. The #BeMe project aims to give BME girls access to training content and mentorships by black women tech leaders. We are bridging the gaps of exclusion and inequalities and raising awareness of injustices they face.

Additional Resources

Ted Talk by Kimberlé Crenshaw: The Urgency of Intersectionality

The #BeMe Project

Intersectionality in Tech 101

The UK Tech Workplace Equality Report

Addressing the Intersectionality-Identity Phenomenon through School Counselling