Integrating Intersectionality in Policy: A Review and Analysis of Guidance

Addressing inequities is a pressing policy priority, particularly with growing awareness of interlocking global challenges, including pandemic recovery. Although Canada has been a leader in developing intersectionality-informed policy approaches, interest in intersectionality is growing internationally. Yet, misunderstandings persist on how to operationalize intersectionality, and calls are being made to develop clear and effective guidance to do this. This article presents results of a scoping review of policy-relevant guidance on operationalizing intersectionality, including tools, guides, and frameworks. The findings include an analysis of where such work is being produced, whether guidance to date aligns with the key tenets of intersectionality, examples of promising practices, and approaches that fall short of effectively operationalizing intersectionality. This is the first review of its kind internationally and provides insights into what is required in guidance to ensure the value added of intersectional analysis in working toward mitigating inequities and promoting social justice.