RFSU’s work with intersectional feminist perspectives

RFSU’s commitment is reflected in RFSU’s organisational strategies, where it serves as a guiding principle in decision-making and program development.

"We cry and laugh with intersectionality"

In this 4-minute film, RFSU and partner organisations share how they integrate intersectional feminist perspectives in their work.

What is intersectional feminism?

Intersectionality can be described as an analytical tool that seeks to make visible the complex ways power is organised and operates within a given context. It focuses on structural and political inequality and draws attention to the limitations of power analyses that only focus on a single axis of social division, such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, age or nationality alone. Intersectionality illuminates how experience is always shaped by one’s location within several interlocking and co-constituting axes of power.

When applying an intersectional approach, it is also important to acknowledge the activist roots of intersectionality, grounded in black feminist and social justice movements, with an ultimate objective of amplifying the presence and influence of multiple marginalised groups whose experiences are often overlooked.

Sexual and reproductive justice

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are foundational for sustainable development and social justice. At the same time, the realisation of SRHR is dependent upon other injustices being fought simultaneously, such as poverty, violent conflict, shrinking democratic space and climate change. Furthermore, access to SRHR is highly unequal, and the barriers people face to accessing SRHR vary according to how one is positioned in power hierarchies such as gender, race, class, nationality and dis/ability. This is why the ideas outlined by advocates of sexual and reproductive justice are crucial since they allow one to bring a contextual, relational and intersectional understanding of the SRHR challenges and inequalities a person may face. Sexual and reproductive justice includes the right to have or not have children, the right to parent one’s children in safe and sustainable environments, and the right to sexual autonomy and gender freedom.

How does RFSU work with intersectionality?

Identification of partners and allies with a shared commitment to intersectional feminist perspectives is a crucial component when putting these perspectives into practice in partnerships. Through collaboration with like-minded organisations across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, we jointly seek to sharpen our intersectional analysis and practice and ensure that intersectional perspectives are integrated into our shared work of advancing SRHR. RFSU also strives towards diverse partner portfolios, including by partnering with underfunded social movements, and refrains from funding actors focusing on single-issue and siloed struggles. Respectful dialogue, mutual accountability, transparency and co-created spaces for dialogue is also key to an intersectional approach to partnerships. By leveraging the partners' expertise on intersectionality, RFSU gains valuable insights into diverse contexts, issues and strategies.

Internal and External Capacity Building

RFSU not only supports external partners but also cultivates intersectional understanding internally. This commitment is reflected in various initiatives:

• Study Circles and In-Depth Courses: RFSU offers regular study circles and courses to deepen knowledge about intersectionality among staff and partners.
• Workshops and Trainings: The organisation hosts workshops and has implemented an anti-racist learning journey for all employees and elected representatives. This compulsory training underscores RFSU’s dedication to embedding intersectionality in its operations.
• Case Studies: To illustrate practical applications, RFSU has developed case studies that address specific challenges encountered in its international work. These case studies provide real-world examples of how intersectionality can drive effective solutions. For more information about the case studies, click here.

Through these efforts, RFSU strives to promote inclusivity, equity, and social justice on a global scale.