Intersectionality in public and global health: Definitions and uses in Francophone contexts, a narrative review

Reducing health inequalities is a priority in public and global health. Intersectionality is a powerful tool for analyzing complex inequalities. Unfortunately, its use remains limited in Francophone contexts, where it is often confined to abstract theoretical considerations, thereby constraining its transformative potential.

This narrative review, guided by the SANRA criteria, was conducted between February and August 2025 using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cairn to identify foundational texts, case studies, and practical resources addressing the application of intersectionality in public and global health. The aim was not exhaustiveness, but rather a reasoned selection intended to highlight its theoretical and practical contributions within Francophone contexts.

Intersectionality enables the analysis of structural mechanisms that sustain inequalities, brings to light paradoxical dynamics, and moves beyond unidimensional approaches. Its applications span three main domains: research (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods), policy (notably through the IBPA framework), and professional practice (via critical alliances and community engagement). It also reveals contextual tensions: resistance in France, greater uptake in Canada and Quebec, and growing diffusion in other Francophone contexts.

This review highlights the transformative potential of intersectionality in public and global health, as both a critical tool and an action-oriented approach. Its implementation raises methodological and epistemic challenges that must be addressed reflexively by researchers and practitioners. Intersectionality is a flexible tool for designing equitable and inclusive interventions that advance social justice.