Innovating at the Intersections. Equality Bodies tackling Intersectional Discrimination

The issue of intersecting grounds is a recent focus for anti-discrimination and equality work. It is underdeveloped in theory, policy and practice, despite being a key challenge to the future of equality and non-discrimination.

This Equinet Perspective aims to set out the contribution of equality bodies to intersectionality issues, as well as suggesting ways forward for further developing this work in the future.

Why a Perspective on Intersectionality?

The different grounds covered by equal treatment legislation intersect. People hold more than one of the personal characteristics that are used in defining each of the different grounds of gender, gender identify, age, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief or disability.

Equality bodies are valuable actors in developing work on intersectionality. Their role in supporting casework on multiple discrimination or in hearing and deciding on cases of multiple discrimination has been extensively explored in research and reports.

This Perspective aims to set out the contribution of equality bodies to intersectionality issues, as well as suggesting ways forward to further developing this work in the future.

Perspective Summary