What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various aspects of a person’s social and political identities such as gender, race, class, age, sexuality, disability and more interact to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, the term was originally used to describe how Black women face overlapping forms of oppression that are not adequately addressed by either feminist or anti-racist movements alone.
Today, intersectionality is widely used in education, policy-making, and social justice work to ensure that systems and institutions recognise and respond to the complexity of individual experiences.

NPTC Group of Colleges: Committed to Inclusion

NPTC Group of Colleges, serving communities across South and Mid Wales, has demonstrated a growing commitment to embedding intersectional thinking into its practices.

Policy and Cultural Change

It has been recognised by NPTC group that it is imperative we deep delve into the core of our policy practice to ensure we are embedding equality across the organisation. This is led by our Human Resources department. Our Senior Officer of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion carries out the consultation process for Equality Linguistic impact assessments on all new and revised projects and policy that ensure our staff who are project and policy leads are confident in addressing and mitigating impacts for individuals that hold protected characteristics.

At events such as the Women at Work Wales Conference, representatives from NPTC Group of Colleges have emphasised the importance of intersectionality in shaping inclusive workplace cultures. James Morris, a representative from the college, noted that intersectionality has been instrumental in developing action plans that adapt institutional culture to be more inclusive and equitable.

“As an EDI officer much of my work has been done on embedding Equality and acknowledging intersectionality at the heart of our EDI strategy at the college. It has encouraged us to devise more inclusive policy, practice and procedures. By consulting with more diverse students, staff and considering the overlap of characteristics we continue to work towards a culture where every voice is heard. Through listening to those with invaluable lived experience we continue to drive genuine equity and belonging across our college.”
– Rukhsaana Ashraf, NPTC Group of College

International and Inclusive Education

The group’s International Department plays a key role in promoting diversity and global engagement. Through partnerships with international institutions and a focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), NPTC Group ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality, skills-based education.

Student Support and Community Engagement

NPTC Group also provides a Student Zone: a safe, welcoming space where learners can access free support and advice. This initiative reflects an understanding of the diverse needs of students, acknowledging that factors like mental health, socio-economic status, and cultural background intersect to affect educational outcomes.

NPTC Group also has a number of staff forum groups that are based on members with shared protected characteristics. Allowing there to be a safe space for open discussions and conversation but also to act as basis for consultation on Equality diversity and inclusion related matters. These are managed by our Senior Officer Equality diversity and inclusion. Equality across the organisation has a strategic approach and responsibility to ensure it is given the place it deserves and matched with the ethos of our organisation.

Why Recognising Intersectionality and Equity Matters in Education

Incorporating intersectionality into education helps institutions:

Recognise and address systemic inequalities.
Create more inclusive curricula and support systems.
Empower students from all backgrounds to succeed.
Encourage students to leave NPTC Group as socially responsible individuals and that staff support them in this.

By acknowledging the complexity of identity and experience, NPTC Group aim not only to foster academic success but also contribute to a more just and equitable society.

“Learner voice is central to embedding EDI across our college group, ensuring student feedback directly shapes inclusive, equitable, and intersectionality informed policies, activities, and strategies. We champion a college culture where a diverse range of voices are seen, heard, and valued.”
– James Morris, NPTC Group of Colleges

Learn More: E-Learning Courses on Intersectionality

To deepen your understanding of intersectionality, we offer online courses that explore the topic. These courses are ideal for educators, students, and professionals seeking to build more inclusive environments.

Introduction to Intersectionality (Audio Learning)

In this audio-only course, explore the definitions of intersectionality, some concrete examples of intersectionality, why adopting an intersectional approach is so valuable, and the importance of intersectional allyship: Go to the Course

Embracing Diversity: An Introduction to Intersectionality and its Impact on Society?

In this course, explore intersectionality in the workplace. By the end of this short course, you will be able to define intersectionality, distinguish between intersectionality and diversity, explain why intersectionality is important, articulate why intersectionality is an asset for the workplace, and implement intersectional policies in the workplace: Go to the Course

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