Intersectionality
Intersectionality recognises that people's lives are shaped by their identities, relationships and social factors. These combine to create intersecting forms of privilege and oppression depending on a person’s context and existing power structures such as patriarchy, ableism, colonialism, imperialism, homophobia and racism. It is important to remember the transformative potential of intersectionality, which extends beyond merely a focus on the impact of intersecting identities.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) was the first UN instrument to recognise multiple and intersecting forms of inequality. 'Intersectional discrimination' was further defined in General Comment 6 on Equality and Non-Discrimination, and is increasingly referred to in other UN instruments.
Applying an intersectional lens helps to centre development efforts on those most marginalised, both within and across already marginalised groups, and is essential for achieving equal outcomes for all.
Resources in this section focus mainly on practical guidance on how to centre those most marginalised using an intersectional lens in development programs.
CBM-Nossal (2024) Disability Equity and Rights Essay: Beyond identity – unlocking the potential of intersectionality
This ‘Disability equity and rights: Challenges, opportunities, and ways forward for inclusive development’ publication was prepared under the DFAT – CBM Inclusion Advisory Group Disability Inclusion Technical Partnership, an Australian aid initiative implemented by CBM Inclusion Advisory Group and the Nossal Institute for Global Health at the University of Melbourne.
UN Women (2022) Gender, age, and disability: Addressing the intersection
This brief by UN Women seeks to raise awareness regarding the situation of older women with disabilities by focusing on the intersection of gender, age, and disability.
UN Women (2021) Intersectionality resource guide and toolkit
This toolkit aims to help both organisations and individual practitioners and experts to address intersectionality in policies and programs
Stubbs D & Tawake S (2009) Pacific sisters with disabilities: At the intersection of discrimination
This study identifies the issues and challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in the Pacific and analyses the social and economic factors impacting on their human rights.
Humanity & Inclusion (2020) Towards more inclusive practices: A Disability, Gender and Age Intersectional Resource
This resource supports international development program staff to better understand the intersection between gender and disability, as well as touching on age.
