Intersectional Feminism – What Is It And Why Do We Need It? -

Intersectional Feminism is not some thing new or alienated idea. Feminism has become a kind of buzzword for a long time. Whenever there is a talk about things related to women, this term is bound to pop up.

More often than not, we hear about it in relation to women’s rights. While people have their views of what feminism is or what it is not, everyone does understand its meaning and what it entails.

However, there is a term associated with it that most people do not understand. The said term is intersectional feminism, which is a part of the bigger idea and purpose as well.

Unfortunately, most people do not understand what it is about even though it is the need of the hour to not only know about it but to act for it.

Let’s delve deep today into what intersectional feminism is and why it is important and the need of the time. Let’s uncover the concept one by one so we can all play our mindful part in bringing a change for women that this society needs.

What Is Intersectional Feminism?

Equality for women is not equality for every woman. There is no denying that women everywhere around the world face inequality and bias when compared to men. But this discrimination and inequality are not comparable.

Women who fall in different spectrum of society suffer from varying forms of inequality that can exacerbate when compared together. All inequality isn’t equal, and that is what intersectional feminism is about.

A simple example to understand this is that a highly educated woman belonging to an elite class might not suffer from the same levels of inequality when compared to a woman belonging to the lower level of society with inadequate education.

The social identities, class, and status can combine to create different forms of inequalities for different women in the same society. Intersectional feminism raises the voice for those who are expecting inequality in this overlapping, and concurrent oppressive way.

What’s more is that when we use the intersectional lens, we realize the historical context of the issue. To understand this, we can all just investigate the plight of the religious minority women, and we will see how much more they are oppressed and discriminated against.

The long history of discrimination and violence can create deeper inequalities that intersect together, and intersectional feminism intends to raise a voice for that.

So, why is intersectional feminism important today and why do we need it?

Different crises have a different impact!

All around the world women are suffering from common problems. Different crises plague people and women. However, these crises often fail to protect the women that fall under the bracket of the most vulnerable.

For example, in some countries, women of different sexual orientation might be the last ones who get access to anything or are heard about. Their sexual orientation is used as the reason to oppress them and keep them away from their basic rights.

Similarly, the pandemic also pointed out the long-standing inequalities and discriminatory practices that have exacerbated even more.

Instead of just shoving it down the rug, it is important to talk about the inequalities that are unequally distributed for women especially during crises and modern-day problems.

Unnamed, unnoticed, unidentified challenges!

Intersectional feminism also brings into light how different communities are battling different problems that go unnoticed, unnamed, and unidentified because more problems need to be worked on first.

It is important for women and for men’s allies to stand up for those around them who are battling with multiple issues and question the power structure.

If you are one of those who say that it is ‘their inequality’ or ‘their problem’, you are wrong. And therefore, we need intersectional feminism.

We have got to be open about how systems are continually oppressing one kind and failing to understand their plight. Each woman for every woman!

The socioeconomic impact for women!

There are countries around the world that do not allow women to become representatives. Worst yet, some nations do not even allow women to go out and vote.

Not just this, but even with superpowers, the representation of the women in the higher offices is scarce and it is the hardest for them to run for the office.

Class and socioeconomic discrimination intersect with sexism, making it harder for women to get elected and rule nations.

Intersectional feminism matters because it brings into light talented women that can be the future but their current plight and status in society do not allow them to.

Freedom is only when every woman from all kinds of backgrounds is freely allowed to fight for their due position to run countries which they so very deserve.

This is why we need intersectional feminists to be strong and raise their voices. And this is why we need everyone like you and me to stand with them while they do so.

There is unjustified violence

Violence against women can never be justified. It doesn’t matter what your caste, creed, or status in society is, there is no justifying the oppression of women.

The intersectional lens also helps see how violence isn’t just based on gender against women. Women and girls with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience domestic violence.

The intersectionality of the injustice calls for feminism to bring out these situations. If you notice the above two brackets mentioned, these women are generally powerless to speak for themselves, so it is right for those who can speak on their behalf.

Conclusion

Intersectional feminism is an absolute must for the society we live in today. Long gone should be the days where the questions were raised on women rallying for due rights and power.

It is high time we look into the microscope and see how women from all backgrounds and every background are being oppressed, discriminated against, and judged. Our only option is to be vigilant, be intersectional feminist, and support those who are in this rally with us.