Intersectional or Inclusive Feminism

Intersectional Feminism is a Framework for Understanding How Overlapping Forms of Oppression Combine to Affect Individuals

In recent years, feminism has grown beyond its historical roots to become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse realities of women around the world. One of the most transformative developments in this evolution is Intersectional Feminism, sometimes referred to as Inclusive Feminism. Coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, intersectionality provides a critical framework for understanding how overlapping forms of oppression—such as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and homophobia—combine to affect individuals in unique ways (Unstereotype Alliance, 2020).

Beyond “White Feminism”

For too long, mainstream feminism has been criticised for centering on the concerns of white, middle-class, cisgender, able-bodied women, often referred to as “white feminism”. This narrow lens fails to represent the full spectrum of women’s experiences, particularly those from marginalised communities (Tyagi, 2023). Intersectional feminism addresses this gap by recognising that gender inequality cannot be separated from other social identities and power structures.

A truly inclusive movement must account for how race, class, sexual orientation, disability, and more shape women’s lives in distinct and compounding ways.

Why Intersectional Feminism Matters

Intersectional feminism is not just about identity—it’s about justice. It enables us to build movements that are better equipped to dismantle the full architecture of inequality. This approach ensures that no one is left behind and that the solutions we create are relevant to everyone, not just the most privileged among us.

Without an intersectional lens, our efforts to tackle discrimination may inadvertently reinforce the very systems we seek to change. As the Nada Foundation (2024) notes, inclusion in the women’s rights movement means making sure every woman’s voice is heard and her lived experiences are valued.

How Counselling Can Support the Intersectional Feminism Movement

Counselling, when practised through an intersectional lens, can be a powerful ally to inclusive feminism. A culturally responsive and trauma-informed therapeutic approach creates space for clients to explore not just individual mental health concerns, but also the social and structural inequalities that may contribute to their distress.

Many individuals facing compounded forms of discrimination experience unique mental health challenges—such as internalised oppression, racial trauma, identity-based anxiety, or isolation—that cannot be adequately addressed through a one-size-fits-all model of care. Inclusive counselling affirms a person's whole identity and acknowledges how systems of power, privilege, and oppression shape their lived experience.

Through a collaborative and strengths-based therapeutic relationship, clients can reclaim agency, explore identity safely, and heal from trauma in ways that are empowering and meaningful. Furthermore, by validating the complex realities of people with intersecting identities, counselling becomes not just an individual intervention, but an act of resistance and restoration.

Counsellors who are committed to intersectional feminism can also help shift broader social narratives—challenging dominant discourses, advocating for inclusive policies, and amplifying marginalised voices within mental health and community settings. In this way, counselling complements activism, creating space for reflection, resilience, and regeneration.

Moving Towards True Equality

Creating a truly inclusive feminist movement means reflecting deeply on our own privileges and committing to meaningful change. As Taylor (2019) outlines, this includes:

• Checking our privilege – acknowledging how our identities shape our experiences of power.

• Listening and learning – making space for voices different from our own and respecting the emotional labour of marginalised people.

• Making space – stepping aside when appropriate to amplify those with lived experience.

• Watching our language – ensuring our words reflect inclusion and respect.

• Taking action – committing to systems change, not just token inclusion.

It also means embracing discomfort and complexity. As Rios (2015) states, inclusive feminist movements must be grounded in empathy and authenticity. True inclusion isn’t about forcing assimilation or asking marginalised groups to do all the work—it’s about co-creating a movement where everyone belongs, and where everyone is accountable.

Last Thoughts

Intersectional feminism reminds us that the fight for gender equality is deeply interconnected with all other fights for justice. When we centre those most marginalised, we uplift the entire movement.

By adopting an intersectional lens—both in activism and in counselling—we do more than broaden the scope of feminism—we deepen it. We make it stronger, more just, and ultimately, more capable of building a world where everyone can thrive.

Book an Appointment

References

Nada Foundation (2024). Intersectionality and Inclusion: The Expanding Scope of the Women’s Rights Movement Nada Foundation. Nada Foundation. https://nadafund.org.uk/intersectionality-and-inclusion-the-expanding-scope-of-the-womens-rights-movement.html

‌Rios, C. (2015). 4 Things We Can Do to Make Feminist Organizing More Inclusive and Empowering for All of Us. Everyday Feminism. https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/04/inclusive-feminist-organizing/

‌Taylor, B. (2019). Intersectionality 101: What Is It and Why Is It important? Womankind Worldwide. https://www.womankind.org.uk/intersectionality-101-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/

Tyagi, I. (2023). Unveiling Intersectional Feminism: an Inclusive Approach to Addressing Multiple Forms of Oppression. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS, 28(10), 57–61. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol.28-Issue10/Ser-5/G2810055761.pdf

Unstereotype Alliance (2020). Intersectional Feminism: What It Means and Why It Matters Right Now. https://www.unstereotypealliance.org/en/resources/diversity-and-inclusion/2020/11/what-intersectional-feminism-means-and-why-it-matters-right-now