Effective civilian harm mitigation by militaries and other armed actors responsible for planning and conducting operations requires more than policy commitments – it demands actionable, deliberate steps that integrate gender perspectives throughout military operations.

Women, men, girls, and boys experience conflict differently, and failing to account for these differences can exacerbate harm and undermine operational effectiveness.

These experiences are further shaped by intersecting identities, such as disability or minority status, which can amplify vulnerabilities and influence how harm is experienced.

This policy brief draws on CIVIC’s research and operational experience and wider consultation led by DCAF to provide practical recommendations and tools for militaries to incorporate gender considerations systematically into civilian harm mitigation, from planning and training to monitoring and accountability.

By embedding gender-responsive approaches into doctrine, operational planning, and community engagement, militaries can enhance protection for all civilians while strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law.