Integrate Gender Perspectives at… All Levels

Political level

At the political level, the Government of Canada sets the objectives for the mission, most often within a whole-of-government approach, defining the CAF mandate. In principle, this mandate will also broadly define the scope of appropriate gender-related activities and the level of interaction with partners expected in a given operation.

Strategic level

At the strategic level, policies and initial guidance are defined with the aim to achieve mission and operational success to meet political objectives. To integrate gender perspectives in the strategic level, the CAF will:

• Understand the conflict and/or crisis with the aim to establish the necessary conditions for gender-based considerations in force generation;
• Assess and develop capability against gender-based threats;
• Leverage gender-related factors in the intelligence cycle; and
• Set the requirements for information on the gender dimension
• systematically for reporting purposes.

Operational level

At the operational level, major operations are planned, conducted and sustained to complete strategic military goals. To integrate gender perspectives at the operational level, the CAF will:

• Ensure the protection of civilians and identified vulnerable groups;
• Support information operations by emphasizing the importance of gender-related factors in the intelligence cycle and conducting a comprehensive analysis (Gender-based Analysis Plus) of the area of operation;
• Liaise with and support the national security forces;
• Liaise and coordinate with pertinent entities such as other Canadian government departments and agencies, the host nation, United Nations agencies and/or non-governmental organizations; and
• Monitor and verify the implementation of existing peace agreements.

Tactical level

The tactical level is where battles and engagements are planned and conducted. At this level, interactions with other actors occur, such as enemy forces, civilians in the battlespace, host nation and other international actors. Hence, the application of gender perspectives is essential. The CAF can integrate gender perspectives at the tactical level by considering it in activities such as those related to the protection of civilians, patrolling duties, checkpoint duties, humanitarian aid support and assistance to national security forces. Importantly, the local population (both women and men) and relevant civil society actors should be consulted to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the local situation.