Democracy

More intersectional monitoring

How data on more intersectional representation can question power structures and strengthen diversity in NGOs and foundations

About the project

Most monitoring efforts to date reflect a binary understanding of gender, distinguishing only between the categories of women and men. However, women and other marginalized groups are often underrepresented and marginalized not only because of gender, but also due to other identity dimensions such as race, age, origin, educational background, or disability.This complexity has not yet been comprehensively captured in any monitoring of the representation of marginalized groups in the civil society sector. FAIR SHARE of Women Leaders is therefore deeply engaged in exploring intersectional monitoring approaches.Together with experts and partner organizations, an initial set of recommendations has been developed to further elaborate and implement transformative monitoring approaches that address power structures, injustice, and underrepresentation alike.

Building on the innovative potential and impact of intersectional approaches, specific, practice-oriented tools for more intersectional monitoring are now being developed and tested, taking into account the experiences and recommendations of marginalized groups. In addition, opportunities for exchange and networking within civil society are being created, along with publicly accessible learning resources. Through surveys of affected individuals and regular data collection on gender distribution in leadership positions of civil society organizations such as NGOs and foundations, FAIR SHARE aims to support organizations in dismantling discrimination and inequality within their structures.

The FAIR SHARE monitor was launched to aim for measuring the percentage of women in leadership positions in civil society organizations such as NGOs and foundations. The international monitor also includes BIWoC (Black, Indigenous and Women* of Colour). Both monitors, german and international, have been expanded to include a further gender identity under the umbrella term “non-binary”. However, the monitor as a tool has not been able to depict the complexity of experiences of marginalization and oppression from an intersectional perspective, nor the structures and systems that cause and reinforce them. It is not enough to query further categories of identities. We want to develop concrete, practice-oriented instruments for more intersectional monitoring approaches to support organizations in reducing discrimination and inequalities in their structures.

The project critically examines the limitations of conventional monitoring processes and aims to highlight power structures, injustices, and underrepresentation without placing the burden solely on marginalized individuals. It seeks to initiate structural change by using data as a basis for dialogue and reflection to reduce discriminatory culture and structures within the organisation. The project also promotes learning processes that raise awareness of power, discrimination, and intersectionality, holding those in positions of power accountable. Another key goal is to identify structural barriers to fair representation and to define areas where action is needed. Central to this is the question of what conditions organizations must create to make change measurable and effective.

The project aims to deepen understanding of intersectional monitoring in the civil society sector by developing a prototype tool based on research and expert insights. It also fosters exchange and networking through online and offline formats for those engaged or interested in intersectional monitoring. Additionally, it provides accessible learning resources that extend beyond the project’s duration and share the knowledge gained from both the exploration and pilot phases.