Intersectionality can be described as the acknowledgement that everyone has unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and as a result, we need to understand anything which can marginalise a person, whether that be their gender, race, class, sexuality or caste (Taylor, 2019). The term 'intersectionality' was first coined by Crenshaw (1989) when discussing the oppression which black women faced in courts because of their overlapping identities of being black and a woman, which meant their intersecting identities further oppressed them as they experienced both gender and race discrimination. Intersectionality highlights how it is insufficient to address the multifaceted nature of discrimination and marginalisation.
At darvaja, all our work focuses on anti-oppression and an aspect of this is to acknowledge intersectionality, as this makes us better understand the complexities of individual identities and lived experiences. For example, while gender-focused initiatives are crucial, they may exclude or marginalise people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those with disabilities if they do not account for intersecting identities. By acknowledging that people can experience privilege and oppression at the same time across different aspects of their identity, intersectionality ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to social justice.
At darvaja, our practice is centred around our commitment to equity and justice which is grounded in an intersectional approach to anti-oppression. We understand racism, sexism, colonialism, heterosexism, cissexism, disablism, islamophobia, anti-semitism and classism to be systems of oppression which show up in our everyday lives and societies. With our work, we aim to continuously challenge the status quo, recognise the multi-faceted layers of oppression, and aim to give a voice for those who feel marginalised.
Intersectionality is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a vital tool for understanding and combating oppression in all its forms. Anti-oppression work that embraces intersectionality is more effective, as it addresses the full range of inequalities that people face. Moving forward, integrating intersectionality into our social justice initiatives is crucial for creating lasting and meaningful change.
