ABSTRACT
Women and girls of African descent face a multitude of challenges due to their intersecting identities. As victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance, they are also subject to gender-based stereotypes and negative social norms. This chapter explores how international and regional human rights bodies, including the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and special procedures of the Human Rights Council, such as the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and the Special Rapporteurs on extreme poverty, right to health, contemporary forms of racism, and violence against women, have utilised intersectional human rights approaches. By drawing on Black feminist theory, critical race theory, and human rights frameworks, the chapter examines how intersectionality sheds light on the discrimination faced by women of African descent, with a particular focus on the United States. The chapter aims to highlight the value of intersectionality to inform more effective policies and interventions to address the unique challenges faced by women of African descent, in terms of both racial and gender justice.
