Civil-military interaction, CIMIC and interacting with gender

Abstract

Is "gender" a political buzzword or does the concept embody a purpose and role for realizing security for both the operation as well as the civilian environment to increase mission efficiency? This chapter explains how gender perspectives are relevant for military operations but identifies some challenges for policy, practice and acceptance within the military. The chapter provides key background information for practitioners to begin to understand the role of gender analysis in operational planning and execution, as well as to understand the role of gender perspectives in a broader security picture, in turn informing best military practices towards a positive end state. The chapter highlights central claims in UN and NATO policy that have been endorsed by member states. The challenge is the implementation. The purpose of the chapter is not to provide a checklist on gender, but to instead encourage analytical thinking about the civil-military interface and the different security perceptions operating therein.