A Global Review of the Development of Military Gender Advisor Capabilities

A military Gender Advisor (GENAD) capability is increasingly a feature of armed forces, military deployments and peace operations around the world. Tasked with the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, the GENAD capability strengthens organisations and operations with its focus on increasing gender equality within armed forces and ensuring gender responsive operational and organisational planning, policy and practice. This research examines the policies, structures and cultures that enable and constrain the effectiveness of military GENAD capabilities around the world. Drawing on open-source research and interviews with current and former GENADs and relevant stakeholders, the review identifies integrated findings and recommendations, which inform a tripartite proposal for military organisations to enhance their military GENAD capability.