Intersectionality 101

Our introductory training session is designed for people at all organisational levels with beginner to intermediate understanding of workplace diversity and inclusion.
We will address the concept of privilege, the ways in which sexism, racism, homophobia/biphobia/transphobia and ableism interact to produce complex oppressions and marginalisations and how structural interventions by organisations can reduce these impacts and create a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Participants will work in small groups to identify strategies that apply to their own organisations and come away with practical ideas to implement change.

We will ask the following questions:

• What is the relationship between equality, equity and justice and how can understanding this change our organisation's approach to the people we work with?
• How can we remove barriers in our organisation to truly include marginalised voices?
• What might it mean for an organisation that operates in one area of marginalisation to be an ally to others? How can it ensure it is not participating in marginalising others?
• Is our organisation 'walking the talk'?

There's a difference between removing discrimination and actively aiming for inclusion. As a bonus, research shows that organisations that are truly diverse and inclusive have improved staff morale and staff retention.