Black African women in the public sector frequently traverse intricate levels of structural injustice influenced by the interaction of race, gender, and professional identity. This study examines the many issues they encounter through the perspectives of intersectionality and identity construction. This research utilizes qualitative interviews with Black African women in diverse public administration roles to reveal how they formulate and navigate their professional identities within organizations traditionally governed by Eurocentric and patriarchal standards. Findings suggests that Black African women frequently encounter marginalization not as discrete occurrences of racism or sexism, but as intersecting forms of exclusion that mutually reinforce one other. The intersectional constraints are exacerbated by nuanced organizational dynamics, including micro-aggressions, and the compulsion to adhere to prevailing cultural norms. Identity work serves as a crucial approach for resilience, as individuals actively strive to harmonize their cultural identities with the demands of professionalism and leadership. This identity work is frequently emotionally burdensome and characterized by an ongoing negotiation of visibility, authenticity, and belonging.


This study emphasizes the lived experiences of Black African women, challenging reductive perceptions of workplace inequality and advocating for a more sophisticated, intersectional framework for diversity and inclusion in public institutions. It also informs extensive dialogues regarding the formation, limitation, and reconfiguration of identity within organizational contexts. The study concludes with recommendations for institutional reforms and leadership development frameworks that recognize the intricacies of intersectional identities and promote more inclusive career paths. This research enhances marginalized perspectives and offers essential insights into how institutions might authentically adapt to represent the different communities they serve.