Intersectional Feminism

Intersectional feminism focuses on understanding how gender inequality intersects with other forms of power and exclusion, shaping how international cooperation is designed and delivered.

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Intersectional feminism starts from a simple truth: people experience inequality differently, depending on how gender intersects with race, disability, class, sexuality, colonial histories and other forms of power and exclusion. In a complex and unequal world, this approach is essential to building more inclusive, effective and accountable international cooperation.

Cooperation Canada supports organizations across the sector to apply inclusive feminist approaches that reflect the diverse realities of women, girls and gender-diverse people.

Building on Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, this work emphasizes power analysis, locally grounded solutions and accountability to those most affected by inequality.

Through convening, coordination and collaboration, we bring organizations together to share learning, address common challenges and strengthen approaches to intersectional feminism. Our work supports a sector that is better equipped to respond to diverse realities and advance gender equality in meaningful and inclusive ways.

By drawing on evidence and sector experience, we help organizations strengthen analysis, adapt programming and translate feminist commitments into practice—so that international cooperation advances equity, inclusion and rights for all.

What We Work On

Intersectional feminism is key to more inclusive and effective international cooperation. Our work supports the sector to apply intersectional approaches, strengthen gender equality efforts and build the tools, knowledge and connections needed to put this into practice.

Building on Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy

to apply power analysis, support locally grounded solutions and strengthen accountability to those most affected by inequality

Building and strengthening the capacity of Canada’s international cooperation sector

by equipping organizations with practical tools, resources and learning opportunities

Convening the sector to foster collaboration, shared learning and collective action

Why It’s Important

Intersectional feminist approaches are essential to advancing more inclusive, equitable and effective international cooperation. By recognizing how different forms of inequality intersect, the sector can better respond to diverse realities and address systemic barriers.

  • Recognizing intersecting forms of inequality leads to more relevant, inclusive and effective policies and programs

  • Centering the voices and leadership of women, girls and gender-diverse people strengthens accountability and impact

  • Applying power analysis helps address root causes of inequality and supports more locally grounded and responsive approaches

  • Stronger collaboration and shared learning support organizations to move from commitment to action in advancing gender equality and inclusion

Get Involved

Connect with Cooperation Canada’s intersectional feminism work and explore opportunities for learning and collaboration.

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News & Updates

Browse the latest publications, tools and resources on intersectional feminism in international cooperation.

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