Why a Multi-Sectoral Feminism Matters: Real Intersectionality for Gender Transformation

In 1989 Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term 'intersectionality', which acknowledges the way in which various social categorizations (i.e. race, class, gender) are regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Recently, I was having a discussion with a development professional regarding structures of gender and patriarchy. One comment struck me in particular. They argued that we should not try to change situations where women choose to be a housewife - arguing this would be an interference of free choice. This could present a dilemma for those that push for gender equality: to what extent are we taking away a women's agency when we say that women should not choose certain roles which are expected of them but (are perceived to) hold less value, and to what extent are we allowing inequality to flourish by not taking action?

Both questions must be situated within context. Every decision we make has a multitude of factors contributing to a chosen outcome. In the context of gender we may ask 'what is the most socially acceptable role for me, what role(s) am I expected to undertake?'. Choices do not occur devoid of context, they are influenced by them. In order to make this argument of non-interference valid, there needs to be an assumption that the conditions for said choices are neutral, but they are not. Creating a society where the conditions are neutral for these choices should be a long-term goal. Achieving this goal leads me to make a case for a multi-sectoral approach to achieving gender equality. A truly multi-sectoral approach is one that takes account of intersectionality and how different sites link in with social-categorizations to re-produce inequality, for example, domestic or work spheres. 

An example of this in context means that Women's Economic Empowerment must be work with efforts to challenge breadwinner masculinities that maybe threatened and co-operation with 'Ending Violence Against Women' or 'Gender Based Violence' - especially if there is evidence that Women's Economic Empowerment alone may lead to Violence Against Women. If development work is to be truly transformative and work towards a clear goal of gender equality it must use all resources to work within society for attitudinal change, linking simultaneously with various sectors. One type of development is not enough, for one type may produce regression in another, thereby simply shifting the problem and reproducing patriarchy and inequality in other areas.