Key considerations for applying intersectionality theory to partner and stakeholder engagement in public health

Partner and stakeholder engagement (PSE) in public health that involves tokenistic and performative practices results in further marginalization of priority populations. Inclusive, intentional, and mutually respectful engagement requires an intersectional approach to account for the overlapping and compounding impacts of multiple systems of power on the lived experiences of priority populations. However, there is a lack of practical guidance on methods, strategies, or approaches for how public health initiatives can meaningfully engage with priority populations.

An evidence synthesis on intersectional approaches to PSE in public health was conducted to inform the development of an evidence-informed tool. Engagement approaches were evaluated based on (1) integration of intersectionality, as defined by the Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis Framework and (2) level of stakeholder engagement achieved, from communication to co-production.

The resulting tool offers "key considerations" for incorporating intersectionality principles in PSE in public health, encouraging critical reflection on the who, why, and how of PSE. Organized by the development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation phases of public health initiatives, these considerations guide users through critical reflection by posing open-ended questions.

The tool's "key considerations" are relevant for all public health practitioners, with an emphasis on those in public health institutions. It guides users in navigating structural and interpersonal power imbalances with systemically marginalized priority populations. Adopting an intersectional lens enhances the ability to identify and address the complex array of determinants of health, tailored to population-specific needs and priorities.