Inclusion, Identity, and Intersectionality

Inclusion, Identity, and Intersectionality Lecture by Yassine Senghor

Report by Lucinda (L6) - 

On Friday the 6^th of October, we had a thought-provoking lecture titled: ‘Inclusion, Identity, and Intersectionality,’ presented by Yassine Senghor. Yassine shared her passion for equality and aspirations to advance the culture of inclusion. The interactive lecture delved deep into the importance of engaging in challenging conversations and its impact on individuals, urging us to reflect on our role in the world and the profound influence we possess.

In a world marked by diversity, it is crucial to recognise the different experiences and identities that people bring to the table. Embracing these differences can pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. During the lecture, Yassine drew our attention to the incredible potential that we all have to create change in society through engaging in challenging conversations. For most people, confrontation can be seen as a negative thing and therefore people hesitate to speak up. However, Senghor explained how confrontation is a learning opportunity for thinking deeper and learning from another person’s perception of the world. Ultimately, we learned to ‘be open to challenge.’

Furthermore, we explored the two different types of identity: personal and social identity. Our personal identity shapes us and gives us the power to create change- it is what makes us unique. Whereas social identity is how we are categorised in society. It separates people into groups regardless of personal beliefs. It tries to separate us and give less opportunity in society. As we learned about identity, Yassine introduced a new term: intersectionality. Intersectionality is acknowledging that people’s social identities are not isolated but rather intersect and interact with one another. As Yassine said, ‘we are not individual strands, we are all intertwined.’ This quote beautifully encapsulates the meaning of intersectionality and that in our shared humanity, we can embrace our identities and others.

A pivotal aspect of the lecture revolved around the power to create change. Society is built on power and privilege. Yassine explored the prevalence of power and privilege when explaining how it often marginalises voices that need to be heard. We were challenged to start to create spaces where every voice resonates, regardless of gender, race, and background. Furthermore, the discussion centred on how we have the power to make a change. Although there may be hurdles and obstacles, we can draw power from empathy. Empathy allows individuals to put themselves in others’ shoes, understanding different perspectives and experiences. It opens the door to respectful conversations even when there are disagreements. It is the foundation for creating a more understanding, tolerant, and supportive society. Empathy is not just a sentiment but a powerful catalyst for transformative societal change.

The lecture was followed by a workshop with Yassine and the EDI society where our conversation continued. We looked at issues relating to microaggressions, the problems of power and privilege in school; and confronting challenging conversations with close family and relations.

Across both the lecture and the workshop we were inspired to confront change and be open to challenge. By dismantling barriers rooted in power and privilege, individuals can make a change. Ultimately, this was a reminder that the journey towards a truly inclusive society begins by acknowledging our own identities, confronting change with open minds, and championing the voices that need to be heard.