Intersectionality refers to the idea that different aspects of one’s identity, such as gender, race, sexuality, and disability, intersect and impact one another in complex ways. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding and addressing issues related to gender and disability.

Gender and disability are two aspects of identity that are often viewed as separate issues, but they are deeply intertwined. Women with disabilities, for example, face unique challenges that are not experienced by men with disabilities or non-disabled women. They may encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and social services, as well as experiencing discrimination and stigma based on both their gender and disability status.

One of the key insights of intersectional analysis is that the experiences of individuals are shaped by the intersection of multiple factors, including gender, disability, race, and other aspects of identity. This means that the experiences of women with disabilities, for example, cannot be understood solely through the lens of disability studies or gender studies, but rather through an intersectional lens that considers the ways in which their gender and disability intersect to shape their experiences.

One example of research that has used an intersectional approach to understand the experiences of women with disabilities is a study conducted by Liat Ben-Moshe and Allison C. Carey (2013). In this study, the researchers interviewed 20 women with physical disabilities who were involved in disability activism in Israel. The aim of the study was to explore the ways in which gender and disability intersect in the lives of these women and to understand the unique challenges they face as a result of this intersection.

The findings of the study highlight the ways in which the experiences of women with disabilities are shaped by both their gender and their disability status. For example, the study found that women with disabilities often face barriers in accessing healthcare, which can be exacerbated by their gender. Women with disabilities are more likely than men with disabilities to experience gender-based violence, such as sexual assault or intimate partner violence. Women with disabilities are also more likely to face discrimination in employment and may encounter barriers to accessing education and training programs.

The study also found that women with disabilities are often excluded from disability activism and advocacy, which is dominated by men with disabilities. This exclusion is often due to the gender-based discrimination that women with disabilities experience, as well as the assumption that women with disabilities are not capable of leading or participating in activism and advocacy.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding the experiences of women with disabilities. By recognizing the ways in which gender and disability intersect and impact one another, we can better understand the unique challenges that women with disabilities face, and develop more effective strategies for addressing these challenges.