Vezi raport EN

An Equinet policy formation working group meeting took place in Brussels, in the month of February, focusing on the topic: Intersectionality in the activity of equality promoting bodies

The main understanding of intersectionality by the academic environment and in the political debate defines this concept by the discrimination felt by an individual based on at least one criterion. The concept emerged from the gender equality activities, but it was applied for all discrimination criteria. The activity and experience of the equality promoting bodies brings up the need for a broader definition of intersectionality.

Both intersectionality and multiple discrimination involving the gender dimension deserve a special attention considering the background of the intersectionality work on this criterion. The gender dimension is a gate to the development of a cross-sector approach of the other criteria. Intersectionality based on gender is important, as it gives voice to certain women groups and empowers them to raise issues. The central position of intersectionality in cases that involve the gender is supported by the number and position of women as well.

Intersection cases may also be seen between the gender and all the other criteria provisioned by the article 19: age, disability, religion or beliefs, race or Ethnic origin, as well as the sexual orientation or the social and economic status.

The areas in which we can focus on intersectionality are as important as other criteria that can cross each other. Intersectionality involving gender, in women or men, is:

• • An important issue to approach in the specific communities.

• • Relevant in facing the violence against women (based on age and gender, disability

and gender).

• • Significant in terms of:

❂❂ labour market (gender and age with respect to equal pay (old age) and recruitment (fertile age));

❂❂ mental health services (disability and gender or race/ethnic origin);

❂❂ criminal justice systems (age, gender and race/ethnic origin);

❂❂ access to recreational clubs (age, gender and race/ethnic origin);

❂❂ education (gender and religion/belief or race/ethnic origin);

❂❂ health ( Romani women, FRA activity);

❂❂ lack of a home (gender and social/economic status);

❂❂ assistance/care work (gender and race/ethnic origin, gender and age or disability).

The experiences of the bodies promoting the gender equality indicate that intersectionality

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