Introduction

In 2000, United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 made history as the first Security Council instrument to deal exclusively with women and girls in situations of armed conflict, acknowledging that such conflicts have a different impact on women, men, girls and boys.

In a situation of armed conflict, UNSCR 1325 specifies that nations have the responsibility to protect civilians and that these considerations must be incorporated into the planning and execution of military operations. Recognizing that armed conflicts have different impacts on women, men, girls and boys, and adapting actions accordingly, is known as applying “gender perspectives” to operations, policies and programs. It is a tool used to better understand society as a whole.

In January 2016, the Chief of the Defence Staff directed the CAF to fully implement the specified actions of Canada’s National Action Plan for the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, and to integrate the Government of Canada direction on Gender-based Analysis Plus into CAF planning and operations.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has also issued policy and direction for the integration of gender perspectives into the NATO force structure and in operations. NATO’s approach to implementing UNSCR 1325 and gender perspectives calls for the creation of a framework of Gender Advisors (GENAD) supported by Gender Focal Point (GFP) positions at the strategic and operational levels. The integration of gender perspectives, however, can and should be applied by personnel at all levels of the chain of command, from the tactical to the strategic.

Integrating gender perspectives into assessment, planning and operations improves the situational awareness of the operating environment and, by extension, improves planning and decision-making. It strengthens operational effectiveness by broadening viewpoints, increasing cultural understanding, and allowing for greater understanding of the effects of CAF operations. It also strengthens the legitimacy of operations by ensuring that actions are more effective and designed to prevent, avoid or minimize harm to vulnerable groups.

It is a common misconception that integrating gender perspectives places sole emphasis on women and women’s equality. However, it is not a women’s issue, but rather a human rights issue. Integrating gender perspectives means assessing the implications for women, men, girls, boys and other diverse groups for any planned action, including its application to policies associated with peace operations, fragile states and conflict-affected situations. In such situations, a detailed consideration of gender perspectives provides information on the roles and needs of different groups of women, men, girls and boys in society at large, and assesses the potential impact of CAF operations on diverse groups.

The aim of the Gender Aide-mémoire is to help CAF members consider and use gender perspectives during the operational planning process. This aide-mémoire should be used in conjunction with recognized training tools and directives issued by the CAF, the Government of Canada and credible international sources.