Intersectionality in Data - Diversifying Data #19

In this month’s episode of Diversifying Data we focus on Intersectionality in Data, featuring our host Rakhi Sharma and our guest Neeraj Goel Mittal, Global Head of Data, Analytics and AI at ViiV Healthcare.

Too often we talk about women in data as if they and their experiences are all the same, when this simply is not true. While there may be echoes of similarity across the stories of women in data we must also acknowledge that the combination of factors that make each person unique also contributes not only to the way they see the world but their experiences in that world.

Intersectionality is about understanding that the social categorisations that make up the who of who a person is cannot be treated in isolation, because they are interconnected. It recognises that individuals can experience multiple forms of oppression or privilege at the same time, and these factors intersect to shape their experiences and identities. Intersectionality impacts the way someone experiences and navigates the world and the barriers they face and how.

During the podcast Neeraj openly speaks about her intersectional self and how intersectionality has affected her life at work. She also discusses the challenges she has faced as a result of this and how she has overcome them.

Together Rakhi and Neeraj discuss the data in recent reports that provide an intersectional look at the specific biases and barriers faced by Asian, Black, Latina, and LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities with the reports providing a clear indication that women at work are having different experiences based on intersectional characteristics.

Lastly, they discuss whether we talk enough about intersectionality in our industry and in workplaces as well as what the risks of overlooking or ignoring intersectionality in the workplace can lead too.

A huge thank you to Neeraj for taking part in this episode and for sharing his personal insights and experiences.