Building operational effectiveness through intersectional perspectives

October 16, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:49

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Manitoba Inuit Association and Inuit Association of Manitoba, Chief Executive Officer Gayle Gruben performs the Qulliq Lighting Ceremony at the Gender Advisors Course, at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 14, 2026.

From September 14-25, the National Gender Advisor (GENAD) Course was delivered at CFB Winnipeg, bringing together officers, non-commissioned members, and public servants from across the Defence Team to strengthen their ability to integrate intersectional perspectives and analysis into military planning and operations. Canadian students were joined by two Jamaican colleagues in the training. This is the first time that the National GENAD course has been offered to the Defence Team, complementing the training provided at the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations.

Designed to prepare participants to serve as GENADs institutionally and operationally, the two-week course combined classroom instruction, syndicate work, operational planning exercises, experiential learning, briefings, and practical assessments. Participants gained the knowledge and skills required to advise commanders on the human domain.

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Canadian Armed Forces and Jamaica Defence Force members attend the Gender Advisors Course, at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 14, 2026.

Throughout the course, students learned how to advise command on current and emerging security threats such as human trafficking, food security, misinformation and disinformation, combatting violent extremism, conflict-related sexual violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Participants examined how factors such as age, gender, culture, and socio-economic status can influence the experiences and security needs of different populations and how vulnerabilities can be exploited or weaponized, as is evident in present-day conflicts and crises.

The course also featured presentations from subject matter experts on topics such as cultural property protection, the Vancouver Principles on Children and Armed Conflict, International Humanitarian Laws, civilian-military engagement, and the integration of intersectional perspectives across staff functions. These sessions provided participants with practical tools that can be applied in both domestic and deployed operations.

Experiential learning was a key component of the program. Participants visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and took part in a Métis cultural activity delivered in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, enhancing their appreciation of understanding culture and history in community engagement.

During the second week, students applied their learning through an operational planning process scenario, individual assessments, and group briefings. The course concluded with a panel discussion featuring experienced GENADs from across the Defence Team.

By bringing together personnel from diverse occupations, environments, and forces, the 2026 GENAD Course fostered collaboration, professional dialogue, and the development of a network of trained advisors. As the CAF and Allies continue to operate in complex environments, integrating intersectional perspectives remains an important component of effective and informed decision-making.

“It was an absolute privilege to host the National GENAD Course at CFB Winnipeg. The strong support and engagement from CAF leaders and personnel highlighted the importance of developing advisors who can help commanders understand the human dimension of operations and make better-informed decisions,” said Lieutenant-colonel Rebecca Wheaton-Sparkes, Course Director.