Increase your Business Success and Be Future Ready

By Leadership Coach Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, June 2024

Origin and Definition: Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the overlapping forms of discrimination individuals face based on race, gender, class, and other identities.

I like the analogy that Crenshaw suggests and by the way Dall-E (with AI) was somehow able to reproduce for me for this post. She describes the Intersection Analogy: Think of a busy road intersection, where different roads meet. Similarly, intersectionality is where different aspects of a person’s identity (such as race, gender, class) meet. Just as traffic from different roads interacts at an intersection, these aspects of identity interact and shape a person’s life experiences.

If you are a leader in an organization at any level ,this is why “Intersectionality” matters an makes a difference in your results, and the impact you organization may have:

Intersectionality matters in organizations because it acknowledges the diverse and complex identities of employees, leading to a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Leaders, especially those from privileged groups, should care because:

Enhanced Understanding: Recognizing intersectionality helps leaders understand the unique challenges and barriers faced by employees from various backgrounds. This insight is crucial for creating fair policies and practices.

Better Decision-Making: An intersectional approach broadens perspectives, leading to more informed and holistic decision-making, essential for the success and sustainability of the organization.

Increased Innovation: Diverse teams, where intersectional identities are acknowledged and valued, often bring a wider range of ideas and solutions, driving innovation.

Improved Employee Engagement: Employees who feel seen and understood are more engaged, motivated, and loyal, which positively impacts productivity and organizational morale.

Reflecting Society: Organizations that embrace intersectionality mirror the complexity of the society they serve, improving their relevance and effectiveness in a global market.

Social Responsibility: It’s part of ethical leadership to address inequalities and strive for a more equitable world, starting within one’s organization.

Kimberlé Crenshaw says: “Intersectionality is a lens through which you can see where power comes and collides, where it interlocks and intersects.”

A success Story in my home town Mexico of how Intersectionality can shape meaningful policies for all –

In Mexico, Isabel Arellano and Geras Contreras are leading the charge in using intersectionality to improve public services. Their group, Cultivando Género, focuses on teaching public servants about intersectionality. This work is crucial, especially after Mexico’s big steps since 2020 with its Intersectional Feminist Foreign Policy and appointing female diplomats. But, there’s a gap between these policies and their real-world impact. They often miss the mark in deeply understanding and applying intersectionality.

A clear example of this is the recent change in abortion laws in some Mexican states. It was a big win for women’s rights, but it didn’t fully consider the rights of transgender and Indigenous people. This shows why we need a full-on intersectional approach in laws. Cultivando Género is tackling this by offering workshops and a guide on intersectionality, aiming to make public servants more aware of these issues. Isabel and Geras highlight the need to see intersectionality as more than just about gender or identity. It’s a tool against all kinds of power imbalances. They’re pushing for a change in how we think and for making intersectionality a key part of policy-making and society.

Through the lens of intersectionality, we unveil the intricate dance of power – where it surges, intertwines, and intersects. It’s not just about seeing the different paths of influence; it’s about understanding how they converge to shape our realities.

I wonder about the incredible possibilities for your organization when it fully embraces an intersectional approach in every policy and process. Imagine tapping into a wealth of talent, creativity, innovation, and equity. My prediction? You’ll see impactful results. That’s the real reward waiting on the other side of the journey towards intersectionality.