CMDR COE Conducted Pilot Iteration of the Gender Focal Point Course under Updated Control Documents and Revised Agenda
Date: (26-05-2026)
Last week, the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) conducted a new iteration of its Gender Focal Point Course, one of the Centre’s flagship education and training activities. This iteration was particularly significant, as it served as a pilot course under the updated course control documents and revised agenda.
Over four days, participants progressed from the NATO Women, Peace and Security institutional framework to the practical application of gender perspectives in military operations, missions, and activities. The programme addressed the role of the gender advisory structure, coordination and communication processes, the use of inclusive language to support professional conduct, and the importance of monitoring, reporting, and data collection for strengthening gender analysis. Participants also examined how internal and external cooperation supports gender mainstreaming across different levels and areas of responsibility.
The Gender Focal Point Course is designed to enable personnel to perform the role of Gender Focal Point successfully at all levels. It establishes a common understanding of the role and responsibilities of Gender Focal Points and their contribution to broader organisational efforts to institutionalise the integration of gender perspectives across all activities. Upon completion of the course, participants are better prepared to support their chain of command in mainstreaming gender perspectives within their respective areas of responsibility.
The pilot iteration brought together more than 15 participants and was supported by distinguished subject-matter experts with extensive experience in gender in military operations. The course was also observed by representatives of the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM), Department Head for NATO’s Gender in Military Operations Discipline, as part of the evaluation process following the update of the course control documents and the revision of the agenda.
The next iteration of the Gender Focal Point Course will be conducted online in November, and applications are already open.
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