Understanding Crenshaw: A Young Pacific Woman's Perspective (Part 1)

As a young Pacific woman navigating life in today’s world, I often find myself reflecting on the complexities of identity, race, and gender. This has always mulled in the back of my mind, as was actually the centrepiece for my Australia Awards application, where I wrote long and hard about wanting to study gender from the Pacific perspective, to research and sit in spaces where we could publish our lived experiences. Of course things have changed - as life inadvertently always does - and I have also added business to this, but let's leave that for a different conversation.

These ideas all especially come to the forefront as I come back from a holiday in Europe, where we saw EVERY DAY, how very diverse the world is - especially that one, away from the sunshine and warmth of the Pacific. These reflections are not just musings, but are shaped by my reality, experiences and broader social dynamics.

To begin this series, I want to talk about one scholar whose work deeply resonates with me - Kimberlé Crenshaw. An American civil rights advocate, legal scholar, and professor, her insights (particularly around intersectionality) have profoundly influenced my understanding of my own experiences and the challenges faced by women in diverse contexts.

The Essence of Intersectionality

Crenshaw coined the term "intersectionality" to explain how different aspects of a person's identity - such as race, gender, class, and sexuality - interact with one another. Growing up in a Pacific culture, I’ve always intuitively understood that my identity is multifaceted - I am Melanesian, and also Micronesian. In turn, as a woman of colour, the intersection of my Pacific heritage and my gender shapes how others see me, and how I navigate the world.

In her work, Crenshaw highlights how traditional feminist and anti-racist frameworks often overlook the unique realities of women of colour.

This resonates with my experiences in both academic and social settings, where discussions about feminism frequently centre around the experiences of expatriate or white women, leaving little room for the voices and struggles of women like me. This is hardly a criticism, and neither is it about race - much to my chagrin, there is actually quite little in terms of research on intersectionality for Pacific women (this is changing, and I am so happy to see the dial slowly shifting). In unpacking Crenshaw's theories, however, I find a voice for my experiences, frustrations, and aspirations.

Relating to the Marginalization

One of Crenshaw’s core ideas is that understanding the struggle for equity requires acknowledging how various forms of discrimination overlap. In the Pacific community, I’ve witnessed how cultural expectations and societal norms magnify issues such as sexism and racism. This is particularly evident in the pressures placed on women, whose roles are often defined by cultural expectations and external societal standards.

For instance, when it comes to leadership roles or activism within my community, I often see women sidelined. Crenshaw's emphasis on the need for inclusive conversations in social justice movements resonates deeply with my beliefs. Dialogues about empowerment and rights must include all voices, especially those of women who face multiple layers of oppression.

When we say 'women' - the term itself has become harder to unpack - and is no longer homogenous. But again, for another day and another topic... in short though, how to be inclusive (not just in policies and action, but in language, and in societal unspoken norms), to ensure we are spreading empowerment equitably across the board?

The Struggle for Recognition

Crenshaw's work speaks to the importance of recognition and representation. As Pacific women, we often have to fight for our experiences and voices to be acknowledged in broader conversations about rights and equity. This fight for recognition is not just about individual struggles but about challenging the systems perpetuating inequality, whether they meant to or not.

I am inspired by Crenshaw’s calls for collective action and the need to build coalitions across different movements. In my community, when we unite and advocate together - as women, people of color, and Pacific Islanders - we create a stronger front that challenges the status quo. This unity allows us to share our stories, uplift one another, and advocate for change that acknowledges our unique experiences.

Creating Change Through Education and Awareness

Crenshaw also emphasizes the role of education in fostering understanding and collaboration - basically fancy words for 'societal harmony'. As a young woman, I feel empowered to educate myself and those around me about intersectionality. Bringing these concepts to discussions in schools, community centres, and even among friends helps spread awareness of the complexities of identity and the importance of inclusivity.

This commitment to educating myself and others is crucial in helping to dismantle stereotypes and advance social justice initiatives in my community. By sharing Crenshaw's insights, I hope to foster deeper conversations about our rights, representation, and the many layers of our identities.

Embracing My Identity

In reflecting on Crenshaw’s work, I find a powerful framework for understanding my life and the challenges women face in the Pacific and beyond. Her exploration of intersectionality gives me the language to articulate my experiences and inspires me to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world.

As I continue to learn, grow, and fight for recognition, I am grateful for the groundwork laid by scholars like Kimberlé Crenshaw.

Her work empowers me and encourages us to embrace our identities and stand together in the fight for justice and equality. Through our unity, we can amplify our voices and create the change we wish to see.

In the next part of this series, I delve into other Pacific women, who have written work on this that relate to Crenshaw.

Disclaimer: As I share these reflections, it is important to note that these thoughts are my own and in no way represent my employer or any other affiliations. They reflect my personal perspective on gender and our Pacific communities.

References

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367334223-4

Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299. https://doi.org/10.2307/1229039

Crenshaw, K. (2017). On intersectionality: Essential writings. New York: The New Press.