How could gender-inclusive national service shape Canada’s future defence posture? This article examines the growing debate around universal service in Canada, assesses its implications for Women, Peace and Security commitments under NATO, and draws lessons from Nordic models to consider whether compulsory service could strengthen societal resilience and women’s meaningful participation in defence.
Tag: Women Peace and Security (WPS)
Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: NATO’s Responsibility to Protect Women
This article looks at how sexual violence operates as a weapon of war in Sudan, and considers NATO’s responsibility to protect women under its Women, Peace & Security (WPS) agenda. It emphasizes the necessity of international collaboration, through policing, justice, and accountability initiatives, in order to strengthen women’s protections and address conflict-related sexual violence.
Executing the Women, Peace & Security Agenda: Are International Human Rights Laws Able to Support NATO Commitments?
This article explores how international human rights law, through the CEDAW treaty, can help strengthen NATO’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. It looks at how CEDAW’s legal obligations can support NATO’s goals by adding stronger accountability for member countries. Using Canada as an example, the piece shows how combining legal commitment with political action can make real progress toward equality and women’s roles in peace and security.
When democracies censor: Alberta’s book ban and its contradiction with NATO’s mission to defend democratic principles
Alberta’s latest directive on books has turned heads nationally. But what does it mean for Canadian security? In this article, author Esha Grewal discusses how Alberta’s book ban is a part of the larger, growing trend of divisive policies among NATO countries that threaten social cohesion.
Canada’s WPS Credibility: Tested Within the Canadian Armed Forces
Canada has long championed the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda on the world stage, promoting gender equality in NATO missions and peace operations. Yet, at home, persistent structural barriers in the Canadian Armed Forces have created a gap between advocacy and action. Canada must address these domestic challenges and prioritize women’s meaningful leadership across all levels of the military to align its domestic practices with its global image.





