This section contains resources that critique the existing international human rights system and provide alternative theoretical frameworks from which to advocate for women's human rights while addressing issues of race and racism. In the past few decades, scholars and advocates began to criticize international institutions for their inability or unwillingness to complicate the categories of human rights violations, forcing complaints to either be made on the basis of race or the basis of gender. These scholars have noted that there is an international treaty addressing race and one addressing the rights of women, but neither explicitly considers how both race and gender inform many women's experiences. Scholars are concerned that this gap does not provide opportunities for many women to adequately convey their concerns or seek appropriate remedies.
The scholarly articles in this section of the WHRR database explore theoretical approaches that may bridge the gap between race and gender: critical race feminism, intersectionality, and interlocking systems of oppression. Critical race feminism is a branch of critical race theory considering the racialization of women. Intersectionality is based on the idea that a person's identity is comprised of different categories, which intersect to affect one's experience of discrimination. Interlocking systems of oppression begins with the notion that all systems of oppression, for example race, class, gender, sexuality, are implicated in every experience and work together to mutually reinforce one another.
The documents list includes United Nations documents, relevant international agreements, and materials from governmental and non-governmental organizations.