Intersectionality is a concept that is important in relation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The term means privilege and discrimination are not limited to one single dimension, but are shaped by the intersections of various social categories and identities such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities, religion, etc. Intersectionality emphasizes that systems of power and oppression are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. It recognizes that individuals possess multiple social identities and that these identities intersect to create unique experiences and challenges.
The term intersectionality originated within feminist theory and highlights how different forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and others, intersect and interact with each other. It was created by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to address the unique experiences of black women who faced both racial and gender discrimination. Crenshaw argued that traditional feminist and anti-racist frameworks failed to fully account for the specific experiences of black women because they tended to focus on either race or gender in isolation.
Intersectionality aims to promote a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of social inequality and discrimination. It encourages individuals, activists, and scholars to consider how different dimensions of identity and social categories intersect to shape people's experiences and opportunities. By recognizing and addressing these intersections, advocates of intersectionality seek to create a more just and equitable society for all individuals, particularly those who are marginalized and face multiple forms of oppression.
As a tech company, Cegal is focussing on the imbalance between men and women in the workforce. Several measures have been implemented to work towards attracting more women to our company and to ensure equity between men and women. Albeit being an important topic, particularly within the tech industry, the lack of gender balance is just one aspect of diversity and inclusion.
We believe that diversity is a competitive advantage and in addition to the ethical and moral responsibility have as an employer, business partner, and contributor to society, we believe it is good for business. To extend and improve our level of diversity and inclusion we need to broaden the perspective from gender balance and equity, to include intersectionality. We need to identify and address intersectionality in order to succeed and meet our ambitions related to being a sustainable player and taking social responsibility.