The more my personal and professional experiences lead me to explore diversity, the more I recognise the importance of intersectionality as a tool to achieve true inclusion. In short, intersectionality is a framework that looks at how the different components of our identity (e.g. gender, ability, sexuality, race, age) intersect and overlap to form unique experiences of discrimination as well as privilege. None of us goes through life as solely our gender, or solely our age or any other single identity component - and nobody treats us like this either. We are the sum total of all of our parts; they act together to impact our outlook and experiences, and thus solutions need to address all the parts of who we are.
Let's call this brief explanation 'Intersectionality 101'. For a more in-depth look at what it is and how to take an intersectional approach to your work, check out this article that I wrote on the topic.
In September 2023, I launched an event series called Intersectional Women, with one purpose: while gender unites women, understanding how our differences result in diverse lived experiences is key to achieving true inclusion and equality for all women. Since then I've moderated several conversations with women from many backgrounds and disciplines, uncovering lived experiences in relation to:
Neurodiversity
Ethnicity
Disability
Motherhood
Religion
Cultural background
& more
At each event we look beyond the intersection of gender and one specific diversity dimension (e.g. neurodiversity), exploring how multiple identities intersect and overlap. This way we uncover the real nuances of our difference: like how the lived experience of a disabled woman in her 70s differs from that of a disabled woman in her 20s, or how being in a same-sex or heterosexual relationship impacts the experience of motherhood. I've also facilitated workshops to unpack participants' own intersectional identities so they can understand how intersectionality works from a personal perspective.
Most Intersectional Women events have taken place in person but the latest one on disability was held virtually and recorded, offering a glimpse into how it all works.
Watch the recording to get a flavour of the kind of conversations we've been having, and explore the nuances of difference in the context of women and disability.
Fill in the form to download additional slides and notes by guest speaker Amal Bouhfas that dive even deeper into the topic.
If you want to experience Intersectional Women for yourself - you're in luck. More events will come soon, so keep an eye out for updates! The best way is to subscribe to Kazuri Consulting's monthly newsletter and also to follow Kazuri and myself on LinkedIn.
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