As ADV Reliant sailed through the Pacific Ocean, members of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) participated in Gender Focal Point training, an initiative designed to enhance their readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the region.

A multinational military unit comprised members from Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, the Pacific Response Group builds on the region’s legacy of cooperation.

Led by the Gender Adviser for the Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander Chris Ford, the training is part of the PRG’s commitment to the Gender, Peace and Security mandate, which stems from United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. 

This resolution emphasises the importance of integrating a gender perspective into peacekeeping, conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts.

For many PRG members, the training was transformative.

Captain Hehea Lino, of His Majesty’s Armed Forces – Tonga, said participating in the Gender Focal Point training aboard ADV Reliant was an eye-opening experience. 

“It’s been great to have access to this type of training that we don’t normally get back home,” she said. 

“Not only is this ship supporting the islands in the Pacific with disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, but having Gender Focal Point training while on the ship keeps us grounded and keeps the whole purpose of us as a PRG in the back of our minds and how we can utilise the training in our role.” 

Captain Lino, who serves as the PRG’s communications officer, highlighted how the training reshaped her approach to operational planning.

“The Gender Focal Point course has allowed me to have a gender perspective on my role in communications, instead of only looking at the operation as a military operation,” she said.

“We need to consider the first, second and third-order effects of our actions as a military assisting during humanitarian operations.” 

'When you hear the word gender, the majority of people think that it’s about women, but it’s not. It’s about everyone.'

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Donald Mohr, of the New Zealand Defence Force, echoed similar sentiments.

“The training itself has been amazing. It’s opened my mind to considering all areas of planning and operations,” he said.

“The most impact that I’ve received from this training has been the awareness of how much I’ve actually been missing out on the population.”

WO2 Mohr emphasised that gender was not just about men and women, but also about understanding the full spectrum of human terrain.

“When you hear the word gender, the majority of people think that it’s about women, but it’s not. It’s about everyone,” he said.

“Where they come from, what they do, what their disabilities are, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and making sure we consider all of it in our planning.” 

The multinational nature of the PRG adds depth to the training’s impact. WO2 Mohr, who works in the intelligence cell, noted the value of collaboration.

“I don’t have to go into books or onto the internet. I’ve got the latest information right there and then,” he said.

“Society in New Zealand is totally different to how it works in PNG. So, I will go to my PNG partners and ask: ‘What about this consideration?’”

As the PRG continues its mission to support Pacific nations during crises, the Gender Focal Point training ensures that their response is not only effective, but also grounded in the realities of the communities they serve.