May 16, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is hosting the first Five Eyes Plus Gender Conference, in Ottawa from May 16 to 18. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to examine, discuss, and collaborate with partner nations with respect to the application and integration of gender perspectives at the operational level.

The Five Eyes Plus Gender Conference builds upon earlier efforts to incorporate gender perspectives into CAF operational planning and operations. These efforts include the appointment of a Department of National Defence/CAF Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) Champion, a CAF GBA+ Director, and three gender advisors.

These CAF efforts stem from United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. This resolution was approved in 2000 and was the first to deal exclusively with women in situations of armed conflict, acknowledging that such conflicts impact men, women, girls, and boys in different ways.

The integration of gender perspectives into CAF responses to armed conflict, as well as conflict prevention and capacity-building efforts, enables us to better protect populations at risk. By understanding the needs and capacities of diverse groups of men, women, boys and girls, the CAF can better adapt actions that contribute to long term peace and stability for affected populations.