Government of Canada's approach on Gender-based Analysis Plus
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Sex vs. gender
Definitions of sex and gender are often incorrectly used interchangeably. Both need to be understood and carefully considered if we are to determine the impact and effectiveness of government initiatives. You might assume that only one or the other is a factor, but sometimes it can turn out to be the opposite of what you thought. And, often, there is a combination of physical and socio-cultural factors at play.
Not all individuals identify with a binary concept of sex or gender categories of male and female, masculine and feminine. Important dialogue on gender identity and expression is taking place in Canada and around the world. Our understanding of sex, gender and how and when to use these designations continues to grow and shift. Visit the Introduction to GBA Plus online course for a list of definitions.
What about the “plus”?
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) isn’t only about sex and gender, and groups of people are not homogenous. Our experiences are affected by intersecting parts of our identity, the context we are in and our lived realities.
We all have multiple identity factors that intersect that help make us who we are. This is called intersectionality. The “plus” highlights the fact that GBA is not just about sex and gender. It examines how multiple identity factors are interdependent and often combined. GBA Plus provides a framework to contextualize the range of personal attributes such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age and mental or physical disability and ensure that these factors do not limit success and inclusion.
Figure 1: Intersectionality
[Text version of Fig. 1 – Intersectionality image: graphic illustrating some of the identity factors considered in GBA Plus]
This figure illustrates some of the factors which can intersect with sex and gender. Six oblong shapes of differing colors overlap and fan out. Each oblong has two identity factors written on it. The middle oblong has the word “sex” written on the left and “gender” written on the right. From the word “sex”, in a clockwise order, other identity factors are written: language, ethnicity/race, religion, age, disability, geography, culture, income, sexual orientation, and education.
Use GBA Plus to consider all the intersecting identity factors of diverse groups of women, men and gender diverse people so that you can be more inclusive in your approach to developing, delivering and evaluating initiatives.
Without GBA Plus, we risk missing or misreading the experiences of a significant portion of the Canadian population and, as a consequence, risk developing policies and initiatives that can inadvertently increase inequalities. It is therefore critical that we apply GBA Plus to optimize the impact and effectiveness of all initiatives.
To learn more about intersecting identity factors, watch this micro-learning video called Beyond sex and gender.
Our commitment
Did you know that GBA Plus is recognized as a key competency in support of the development of effective programs and policies for Canadians?
The Government of Canada has been committed to using GBA Plus in the development of policies, programs and legislation since 1995. It provides federal officials with the means to continually improve their work and attain better results for Canadians by being more responsive to specific needs and circumstances.
The Government recently renewed its commitment to GBA Plus and is working to strengthen its implementation across all federal departments.
To learn more about the Government’s renewed commitment, including its response to the 2015 Report of the Auditor General of Canada “Implementing Gender-based Analysis”, view the:
GBA Plus is everyone's responsibility
Women and Gender Equality Canada plays a leadership role in the government-wide implementation of GBA Plus; however, the commitment to GBA Plus is a shared responsibility across all departments and agencies.
All federal public servants should incorporate GBA Plus into their work by asking some basic questions and challenging personal assumptions about diverse groups of women, men and gender diverse people. Through the systematic use of GBA Plus, federal officials are able to improve their work, ensuring it is inclusive of diverse perspectives.
Federal public servants are encouraged to visit Women and Gender Equality Canada’s GBA Plus GCpedia page (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) for helpful information on how to better integrate GBA Plus into the work of departments and agencies.
Women and Gender Equality Canada:
- Shares GBA Plus knowledge
- Provides technical assistance to departments and agencies
- Develops GBA Plus tools and training
Central agencies:
- Exercise a challenge function
- Provide guidance on incorporating GBA Plus where appropriate
Federal departments and agencies
- Conduct GBA Plus
- Integrate and sustain the practice of GBA Plus
- Monitor and report on GBA Plus practice and outcomes
For more information on the roles and responsibilities for GBA Plus in the federal government, see the GBA Plus roles and responsibilities module of the Introduction to GBA Plus online course.
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