GBA Plus in operations: Better questions, better decisions, better outcomes
June 18, 2026 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:00
As part of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Awareness Week 2026, the Defence Team held a virtual panel discussion in May called, “Options and Precision: Intersectional Analysis in Practice (accessible only on the National Defence network).” Speakers from across the Defence Team shared how GBA Plus and understanding the human domain – key actors, public perceptions, and people’s behaviours – support operational effectiveness and informed decision-making.
The discussion emphasized that GBA Plus is a practical operational tool that helps identify vulnerabilities, reduce risk, and improve outcomes across Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) activities.
From policy requirement to precision tool
Panelists highlighted how GBA Plus has evolved beyond a policy requirement into an approach used in both operational and corporate contexts. By considering factors such as gender, age, income, culture, and ability, Defence Team members can better understand how their decisions and actions might affect different groups. This helps them spot intelligence gaps, identify threats and risks, and develop effective courses of action.
Understanding people strengthens operations
Panelists highlighted how factors such as family structures, gender roles, and local power dynamics shape how communities respond to military presence. For example, in conflict situations where women’s participation in society is limited, trained mixed gender teams can engage more broadly and respectfully with the local population, including women. This can improve information gathering and strengthen mission effectiveness.
Within the workplace, GBA Plus helps leaders better understand their teams and supports a stronger Defence Team culture. Recognizing dynamics linked to mental health, neurodiversity, culture, and socioeconomic stressors can help build cohesion at home and on deployment.
Better decisions start with better information
When decisions are made without sufficient or diverse information, bias can increase and vulnerabilities may be overlooked. GBA Plus encourages a more deliberate approach to decision-making by identifying missing perspectives and potential risks early. It does not require exhaustive analysis or a rigid checklist. Applied proportionally, it can support better situational awareness and informed choices, even in time-constrained environments.
As the Defence Team integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and data driven systems into operations and business practices, panelists underscored the role of GBA Plus in data collection and governance. AI systems rely on large amounts of data. If some groups are underrepresented or overrepresented in the data, historical biases can be carried forward and amplified. Applying GBA Plus early can strengthen data quality and representation, supporting more accurate and informed decisions.
Building a culture of curiosity
Panelists encouraged participants to see GBA Plus as a way of asking better questions, not adding process. It is most effective when embedded in everyday practices.
Ultimately, integrating GBA Plus across Defence Team activities depends on fostering a culture of curiosity. By helping people better understand others and challenging assumptions, GBA Plus becomes a practical, flexible tool that strengthens operations and institutions.