The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is actively taking steps to integrate gender perspectives into the analysis, planning, execution and evaluation of all CAF operations.

These efforts will increase operational effectiveness. They build upon earlier measures and further enhance CAF processes and procedures in accordance with broader Government of Canada (GC), NATO and UN direction and guidance on issues related to Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Initiatives.

“The CAF is constantly evolving, learning from past operations, and adapting to changes in the security environment, said General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff. "These efforts will enhance the way we operate. When you think about military operations—tanks moving, aircraft flying, shooting at targets—these operations may change in quality or characteristic when we formally account for gender perspectives and issues related to vulnerable populations at the outset. It’s an important part of real military planning that will help make the CAF a more effective institution.”

Earlier this month, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Jonathan Vance, issued formal direction and approved a document which outlines the continued steps the CAF is taking to further integrate gender perspectives, as outlined in several United National Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs), Canada’s National Action Plan (C‑NAP) for the Implementation of WPS UNSCRs, and the Government’s direction on integrating Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+). These continuing efforts at integrating gender perspectives are also aligned with those of our NATO allies.

Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is an analytical competency that will help the CAF consider and account for numerous factors such as age, education, language and culture, among others, in addition to gender into its operational planning and analysis.

The directive develops a framework for the CAF to achieve its overarching goal of integrating GBA+ across the CAF to the degree that it is always considered an essential and integral element of all CAF activities.

The CAF recognizes that conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises affect men, women, boys and girls differently. The integration of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) into the planning and execution of CAF operations is a means of improving operational effectiveness by further enhancing CAF understanding of operating environments, and subsequently using deeper understanding in order to adjust the planning and conduct of operations.

The initiating directive calls for the creation of three gender advisor positions during the Annual Posting Season 16 (Advisors to the CDS; Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command and Commander Canadian Special Operations Command).

CAF efforts are rooted in the UN Security Council’s call to the international community to take action on issues identified through the UNSCR 1325, and 7 additional Resolutions (1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122, and 2242). The further efforts identified in the CDS directive will enhance the way the CAF plans and executes mission assigned by the Government of Canada.