In this expert session, Tash Koster-Thomas, a leading voice in gender equity and intersectionality, emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing how multiple forms of discrimination or inequality can compound and create unique experiences for individuals based on their intersecting identities.
Tash began by sharing statistics that illustrate the intersectionality of race and gender in earnings: White women earn an average of 13.6% more than white men, but a black woman earns 20.5% less than a white man, and a Latina woman earns 46.8% less than a white man. These disparities highlight the importance of recognizing how race and gender intersect to create distinct experiences for women in the labor market.
Next, Tash discussed intersectionality's impact on maternal health. Women with disabilities are three times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than women without disabilities. Moreover, black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These statistics demonstrate how race and disability or race and womanhood intersect to create unique challenges that may not be fully addressed by focusing on one identity at a time.
Tash then emphasized the significance of intersectionality in leadership roles. Only 4% of executive positions are held by black women, and only 1% of Fortune 500 companies have CEOs who are black women. The lack of representation in leadership positions further compounds the disadvantage faced by some women due to their intersecting identities.
To create a more equitable and inclusive society, Tash urged support for marginalized women in various ways, especially for those who hold privileged identities. She suggested being an ally by using one's power, privilege, and influence to support underrepresented groups, continuously educating oneself about the experiences of marginalized communities, speaking out against biased systems and policies, creating sponsorship programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development initiatives tailored to marginalized women, addressing hidden biases in hiring practices, providing safe reporting mechanisms, and supporting self-advocacy, networking, and participation in leadership programs for underrepresented women.
Tash also encouraged acknowledging the importance of intersectionality and individual experiences, listening to and including the voices of marginalized communities, making small daily actions towards equity, and valuing visibility. She emphasized that supporting gender equity requires recognizing and understanding men's experiences as well. For genuine conversations on intersectionality, Tash advises dealing with ambiguity and being curious when encountering differences, focusing on behavior rather than trying to change opinions, utilizing resources like HR and anonymous speak-up tools, and speaking up in a non-confrontational manner for managers with unconscious biases.
Throughout the session, Tash encouraged active listening, awareness of microaggressions, supporting each other, expanding the conversation beyond just women's issues, and acknowledging the challenges faced by men in areas like mental health and paternity leave. The expert session concluded with a reminder that women can be stronger allies for one another and an invitation to the next session.
