Re-politicising Intersectionality: How an intersectional perspective can help INGOs be better allies to women’s rights movements

Overview

This paper argues that the international development sector can become a better ally to women’s rights movements by changing its approach to intersectionality. Instead of using intersectionality merely as a way of understanding the impact of different social, political and economic identities on our gendered experiences, international organisations should build their understanding of how such differing experiences of gendered life give rise to differing political agendas. Focusing on this political dimension of intersectionality helps bring the concept back to its radical roots and can guide international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to give meaningful support to movements as they challenge power.