D3.12 European Policy Brief - Intersectionality: An in-depth focus

INSPIRE and aim of this policy brief

INSPIRE has been funded to create the European Centre of Excellence on Inclusive Gender Equality in Research & Innovation to provide thought leadership as well as build up a solid evidence base on inclusive gender equality plans (IGEPs). Four main challenges have been identified in the shift from “Gender Equality Plans” (GEPs) to “Inclusive Gender Equality Plans” (IGEPs): 1) how to sustain and deepen the momentum of change processes 2) the need to take a contextually sensitive, tailored approach to inclusive GEPs building on local knowledge, expertise and activism 3) the lack of know-how on integrating an intersectional perspective through GEPs 4) the lack of research and competences for inclusive gendered innovations. The specific aim of this policy brief is linked to the third challenge, to deepen an understanding of how to integrate an intersectional perspective into inclusive gender equality plans and policies in research organisations and innovation processes.

Intersectionality is understood as “a paradigm, theory, methodology, analytic or critical tool that focuses on the interlocking systems of oppression and privilege, power relations and social inequalities that occur along multiple axes including but not limited to gender, ethnicity and race, social and economic status, sexual orientation, disability and age” (Beeckmans et al., 2023). Intersectionality relates to the inseparability, interconnectedness, and interactions of multiple axes of privileges and disadvantages and is distinct from other concepts such as “inclusiveness” or “diversity” that are often invoked in gender equality and Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) interventions (see Palmén and the INSPIRE Consortium, 2023).