Executive Summary
As the phenomenon of discrimination entails complex and diverse
understandings, so too may we view identities as multiple, often
characterised by the intersectional experience. Men and women differ in
their experiences of discrimination, as do their reactions to the
phenomenon. GendeRace advances the view that social relations based on
gender and racialised identities or
ethnicity influence the perception and use of antidiscrimination laws.
Whilst both EU and national institutional frameworks may provide
numerous responses through action and conflict resolution, the project
demonstrates that multiple-discrimination based on racialised identities
and gender remains inadequately addressed.
The GendeRace project is funded by the European Commission Seventh
Framework programme. It is coordinated by the Université Libré de
Bruxelles and the Universitat de Barcelona. Beginning in February 2008
and ending in July 2010, the research has been conducted by six teams in
France, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The GendeRace approach
Building on an exhaustive empirical research, this investigation has
employed a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods including
secondary data and literature review, to produce national in-depth
reports, conduct semi-structured interviews with experts, and the
analysis of a quantitative data set comprising discrimination claims and
complaints. However, the weight of its fieldwork is to be found within
in-depth interviews with claimants and complainants, conducted from a
life course perspective to test the project key theories and hypotheses.
In addition, several workshops have been run in each country with
stakeholders,
policymakers and representatives from women’s and ethnic minority
organisations involving discussion around findings and development of
policy recommendations.
New knowledge, new concepts and European added values
This report reflects the project’s comprehensive undertakings to improve
understanding of multiple discrimination based on racialised identities
and gender, and the advancements that have led us to develop practical
tools for better assessment of the effectiveness of policies and
practices in the field of antidiscrimination when faced with cases of
such discrimination. Our
findings support the need for more policy initiatives addressing gender
equality through the implementation of positive action and gender
mainstreaming, taking into account specific needs, situations and
experiences of different groups, and particularly in addressing women’s
multiple identities. A clear message arises from our results - that
better awareness of civil rights must be promoted and that existing
resources for the making of complaints must be expanded, especially for
women. The development of a legal definition and a specific methodology
of multiple discrimination could allow an intersectional approach for
dealing
with claims/complaints. In addition, we identify a clear need for
inclusion of a gender perspective within the treatment of discrimination
cases and provision of specific assistance and services according to
the needs of the claimant/complainant. The research demonstrates that
data collection of complaints on multiple discrimination should be
improved to reveal hidden discrimination based on several grounds.
Finally, the project asserts the significance that gender equality be
enhanced through positive action and gender mainstreaming, with a focus
on ethnic minority groups such as Roma or Muslim women.
