Intersectionality is the overlapping of people’s identities and their experiences of oppression and discrimination. Intersectionality recognises not only differences between protected characteristics (such as race, sex, sexual orientation, and gender reassignment) but also those within and across these identities. For example, the experiences of women of colour are different to those of white women. It is important to recognise intersecting identities and that everyone has their own unique experiences of oppression and marginalisation.
This first Equalities Council meeting reviewed the activities of the PDA’s EDI Networks since their launch and looked at areas where the networks have been collaborating, such as the 16 Days of Action against domestic abuse campaign which took place during Autumn 2021. The Presidents of each network revealed future plans for the networks and expressed a desire for increased working together around shared concerns.
Elsy Gomez Campos, President of the PDA BAME Network, said, “Meeting other network Presidents and PDA leaders was a welcome opportunity to celebrate and reflect on work we have done and are planning for the future.”
Scott Rutherford, President of the PDA LGBT+ Network, said, “It was great to discuss each network’s achievements from the past year and to hear about all the important work going into creating a more inclusive and diverse pharmacy profession. The PDA LGBT+ Network is looking forward to working more closely with the NAWP, BAME, and Ability Network, to address intersectional issues, such as the impact of stress, including minority stress, on the mental health of members.”
Naina Chotai, President of the PDA NAWP Network said, “The PDA NAWP committee has been working hard to meet their members’ needs since elected in August 2020. Where possible, NAWP workstreams have included a collaboration of ideas and events that were specific to the needs of all PDA EDI Network members, so, not just NAWP, but also BAME, LGBT+, and Ability. Now as a formal Equalities Council, we are moving on to the next phase of collaboration which will foster an all-embracing approach on topics that meet the needs of all the PDA EDI Network members.”
The PDA Ability Network will hold elections in 2023 where a President, Vice-President, and an Honorary Secretary will be elected to lead the network. Members who are interested in standing for election can find out more information by emailing: ability@the-pda.org.
Learn more
- PDA Equalities Council
- PDA Member Networks
- Protected characteristics
- 16 days of Action Against Domestic Violence
- Domestic violence in the LGBT+ community
- Support available for men experiencing domestic violence
- The PDA Ability Network
- The PDA BAME Network
- The PDA LGBT+ Network
- The PDA NAWP Network
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