Why do we need to be intersectional?

Intersectionality is the cousin of cultural relativism.

The latter posits that we must judge cultures in accordance with their contexts. The former, on another hand, argues that we must understand and appreciate people in accordance with the social, political, and economic contexts they are coming from.

There is no one true culturally homogenous community in the world. Thus, it is important for us acknowledge what makes us different, yet the same. We must acknowledge that it is possible for 9 out of 10 women to experience discrimination, yet experience them in varying degrees and avenues (because 9 women have 9 different backgrounds). This is one illustration of intersectionality. It has the potential to build an inclusive, prejudice-free society, the kind where we can raise people to be agents of change, rather than be agents of division.

Intersectionality is part of human rights. The world we live in today is a multicultural community where people from diverse backgrounds, such as language, ethnicity, religion, etc. live peacefully altogether. Using intersectional approach to diversity shows that everyone in the community is entitled to equal rights and liberties, no matter who they are. It is significant for every community to think about an inclusive society in which everyone does not fall behind. Fundamental human rights that empower opportunities are keys to bring peace and justice among and between communities.