Women in the Canadian Armed Forces

Abstract

Women have a long history of service with the Canadian military. For too long, however, that service has been hidden, minimized or outright fought against by the male and masculine institution of the CAF. The integration of women into the military in Canada was effected in 1989, but the process is yet incomplete. Women are not full members of the CAF, as is shown by the fact that only 15% of the CAF is female, and women are grossly underrepresented in the combat trades. Issues of both sex and gender continue to bedevil the CAF. One significant barrier to women’s participation in the military is sexual harassment and abuse. The CAF is only now beginning to address this issue, and it remains to be seen whether they can change the dominant masculine culture in the military such that the inappropriate sexual behaviour diminishes to match civilian levels. Female military leaders face particular challenges, even as women are overrepresented in the officer corps. With ambitious recruiting targets set by the government in Strong, Secure, Engaged, the next few years are crucial in the relationship between women and the Canadian Armed Forces.