I want to explore the concept of intersectionality and how it has impacted my life as an African woman and my career starting out in life as a first generation coder in 1986 programming computers in Basic, Fortran, Pascal and Cobal.
Intersectionality is a concept that recognizes the complex and interconnected nature of social identities and systems of oppression. As DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultants strive to create inclusive environments, understanding intersectionality is crucial. This article explores the concept and provides five essential considerations for DEI consultants to effectively incorporate intersectionality into their work.
1. Definition and Concept
Intersectionality, coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to how different aspects of an individual’s identity (such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and more) intersect and interact, shaping unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. It recognizes that individuals cannot be reduced to a single identity category, as they face overlapping systems of oppression. Understanding intersectionality requires acknowledging the interconnections between various identities and recognizing that experiences of discrimination are not uniform.
I was born in Rhodesia in 1967 under British Colonial Rule and was 13 years old when Zimbabwe became an independent state. At the age of 17, I embarked on my journey as a trainee programmer at Lonrho (London Rhodesia Company) Computer Services in Zimbabwe, just as the country gained independence from British colonial rule. It was a transformative period for Zimbabwe, shedding the shackles of oppression. However, comprehending the extent and impact of systemic racism, deliberately designed to subjugate black people, may be challenging for those who haven’t directly experienced the depths of British colonial rule.
Systemic racism refers to a pervasive and deeply ingrained network of policies, practices, and societal structures that perpetuate racial discrimination and inequality. It operates within institutions, laws, and social norms, often working subtly and implicitly to disadvantage certain racial groups. In the context of British colonial rule in Zimbabwe, systemic racism was intricately woven into the fabric of society, systematically marginalizing and oppressing black individuals.
My father was a Chartered Accountant who had studied in London from 1967 – 1972; he had obtained a Commonwealth scholarship and when he returned to Rhodesia could not get a white collar job because he was black. He was forced to work in a chicken slaughtering factory to provide for the family despite all his qualifications until 1980 when Zimbabwe obtained independence.
Throughout colonial history, British rule in Zimbabwe enforced discriminatory laws and practices that perpetuated racial hierarchy and superiority. Segregation, limited access to education, restricted economic opportunities, and political disenfranchisement were just some of the mechanisms employed to maintain white dominance and keep black people subjugated. These systemic efforts aimed to control and exploit the resources and labour of the colonized population while suppressing their aspirations and potential.
Understanding systemic racism requires recognizing its enduring legacy. Even after the end of colonial rule, the remnants of systemic racism persist, affecting individuals, communities, and institutions. Its effects can be observed in disparities in education, employment, housing, wealth distribution, criminal justice, and access to healthcare. Systemic racism perpetuates intergenerational cycles of disadvantage and impedes progress toward racial equity and social justice.
To address systemic racism, it is crucial for individuals and institutions to actively engage in anti-racist practices and dismantle discriminatory systems. This involves acknowledging historical injustices, amplifying marginalized voices, and implementing policies that promote equity and inclusivity. By challenging ingrained biases, fostering cultural sensitivity, and promoting diversity in leadership positions, we can work towards creating a society where every individual has equal opportunities and freedom from systemic racism’s grip.
My early experiences in Zimbabwe as a trainee programmer provided first-hand insight into the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and the deeply entrenched systemic racism that was deliberately constructed to subjugate black individuals. Understanding systemic racism necessitates recognizing its historical context, pervasive influence, and ongoing impact. By actively dismantling discriminatory systems and promoting equity, we can strive for a more just and inclusive society that transcends the legacy of systemic racism.