#EveryLittleActionCounts Week 41: Supporting Intersectionality
Supporting intersectionality in academia means recognising and addressing the overlapping identities and systemic inequalities that shape individuals’ experiences. By embracing intersectional practices, we can create an inclusive environment where all voices and perspectives are valued, and constraints to participation are dismantled. This ensures that academic spaces are inclusive and supportive, enabling all academics to thrive and flourish.
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives” – Audre Lorde
Academics can support intersectionality by:
Active listening
Acknowledge and recognise the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals with intersecting identities, fostering understanding and allyship.
Integrate intersectional perspectives into practices
Incorporate diverse perspectives into research and teaching as well as discussions, highlighting the contributions of various backgrounds and disciplines.
Advocate for intersectionality
Advocate for policies and practices that address multiple forms of discrimination, ensuring that initiatives are comprehensive and inclusive.
We would be very happy to hear about your strategies fostering intersectionality.
Anne-Wil Harzing & Christa Sathish