Gender Equality Week 2024: Championing Gender Equality in the Defence Team
September 20, 2024 - Defence Stories
This week, it is also important to remember some of the historical barrier-breaking and benchmark-setting moments as the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) progressed towards gender equality. In 1989, a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision directed the removal of almost all restrictions barring women from specific employment in the CAF, clearing the way for women to take on non-traditional roles and break down many barriers. For example, in 2003, the first woman captained a Canadian warship, and in 2017, the first woman Vice Chief of the Defence Staff was announced. And of course, we celebrated a major milestone this year when General Jennie Carignan became the first woman to be named Chief of the Defence Staff.
Today, women can serve in all capacities within the CAF. It was not always an easy road. The progress we see today is a testament to the resilience of those who have served, and those who serve today – who persevered in an organization that was not always welcoming. It is also a testament to the leaders, allies, and peers who support them.
Gender equality is not only one of the human rights that underpin Canadian values; it is necessary for both operational effectiveness and organizational excellence. Diverse teams bring varied ways of thinking, foster innovative solutions, and enhance our decision-making processes. In the complex and dynamic landscape of modern military operations, the ability to draw upon a wide range of experiences and viewpoints is invaluable. Doing so also strengthens morale and cohesion. When all members of the Defence Team feel valued and respected, we can build a stronger, more unified force capable of meeting any challenge.
While we have made significant strides in the past few decades, our journey toward gender equality is far from complete. The Defence Team continues to implement and refine policies aimed at creating an inclusive environment. Some key initiatives currently underway include:
- Working to achieve commitments made in DND/CAF's Implementation Plan under Canada's 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
- Working to mainstream the use of intersectional insights and decentralize capacity across the Defence Team through the implementation of our Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Enterprise Approach.
To succeed in achieving our shared goal of gender equality, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to identify and dismantle barriers as we encounter them. Each of us has a role to play in fostering an environment where everyone can succeed and contribute to our shared mission. The GBA Plus learning toolkits were launched to help Defence Team members build their knowledge and awareness, and excel in their roles.
Together, we will continue to champion gender equality and build on our culture evolution efforts so that the Defence Team is a leader and a model of inclusivity and excellence.