Canada

Canada's first plan launched 2010, and their current NAP was released in 2017 to run through 2022.

Objective/Aims

1. Increasing the active and meaningful participation of women, including indigenous and local women, in peace operations and peace processes, in the management of conflict situations, and in decision making in all of these areas. 

2. Increase the percentage of women in the military by 1% per year to achieve a desired goal of 25% by the end of FY 2026. Deploy at least 20% Canadian women police to peace operations/missions under the IPP Program, including in senior and/or influential positions.

3. Increasing the effectiveness of peace operations, including the protection and promotion of the rights and safety of women and girls.                                                                                       

4. Improving the capacity of Canadian personnel to help prevent violence and to contribute to protecting the human rights of women and girls in the context of peace operations, fragile states, conflict-affected situations and in humanitarian crises or relief and recovery operations.                                                                                            

5. Promoting and supporting relief and recovery efforts in fragile states and conflict-affected countries in a manner which takes into account the differential experiences of women and men, boys and girls.                                                         

6. Making the leadership of peace operations more accountable for carrying out their mandated responsibilities by realizing, to the maximum extent practicable, the intent of the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.

Commentary

Canada is committed to implementing the women, peace and security agenda, by supporting UNSCR 1325. They are also active in promoting and achieving gender equality, hence men and women tend to enjoy equal status and rights within society.

Civil Society

The Government of Canada consulted with civil society in developing this Action Plan, in particular with WPSN-C, and has promised to increase the funding of other civil society organisations who are working to advance women’s rights.

Women in Security Institutions

It is mentioned that Canada will encourage the participation of women in decision-making and in deployment for peace operations, which includes monitoring the "number and percentages of female Canadian Forces personnel, police officers and civilian Government of Canada personnel deployed to peace operations." The Chief of the Defence Staff committed to increasing representation of women in the Canadian military from 15% to 25% as well, although similar commitments were not made by the police.

UN Peacekeeping Statistics

As of September 2021, 57 Canadian peacekeepers work within United Nations operations, 17 of which are women.

Sources

1.Canada NAP             2. UN Peacekeeping Contributions

‍

‍