What is intersectionality?

Intersectionality is a concept that can help policy makers and sport programmers understand how different types of discrimination – like racism, homophobia, and ableism – combine to prevent some women and girls from participating in sport. 

Intersectionality is important in advancing gender equity in sport because one solution may not work for ALL women and girls.  If we don’t acknowledge this, we risk building more barriers to true equity.  Review a quick summary below:

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Do you work for a sport organization?  Consider this exercise (PDF / JPG) to determine whether diverse experiences of people in your sport are being represented at the decision-making level.

If you’re interested in learning more, consider taking the Gender Equity LENS, which, in addition to defining foundational concepts, provides a practical model for bringing a gender lens to the work you do in sport – in whatever role you play!