2018–19 Departmental Plan: Gender-based analysis plus

An overarching CIHR GBA+ Framework (i.e., CIHR’s departmental implementation plan) is under development to operationalize GBA+ commitments. Three streams of work fall under this Framework:

1. SGBA in Research Action Plan to ensure sex and gender considerations are taken into account in CIHR-funded research;
2. CIHR Equity Strategy (with accompanying Gender Equity Framework, Indigenous Health Research Action Plan, and Official Language Action Plan) to ensure an equitable funding system; and
3. CIHR corporate policies to ensure an equitable work environment.

The CIHR GBA+ Responsibility Centre (RC) leads, enhances, supports, and monitors implementation of CIHR’s GBA+ framework and the actual practice of GBA+. CIHR has a Co-Champion model for GBA+. The Vice President, Research, Knowledge Translation and Ethics (RKTE) Portfolio serves as one GBA+ Co-Champion and is responsible for implementation of GBA+ across CIHR with support from  the GBA+ Focal Point and staff within the Science, Knowledge Translation and Ethics branch. The Scientific Director, Institute of Gender and Health serves as the other GBA+ Co-Champion and provides guidance on the implementation of Sex- and Gender-based analysis in the context of health research. Strategic guidance on GBA+ related matters is provided by Science Council; operational guidance and decision-making is provided by senior management.

FTE’s in GBA+ Responsibility Centre and Focal Points = 3.0

Other FTE’s = 3.6

SGBA in Research Action Plan

Sex and gender differences contribute to differences in health risks, health services use, health system interaction and health outcomes. Implementation of the SGBA in Research Action Plan aims to systematically integrate sex and gender considerations into CIHR-funded research to ensure that the research we fund is relevant and impactful for Canada’s diverse population. The performance indicator “% of research that addresses sex or gender considerations” will be monitored in CIHR’s Departmental Results Framework and across CIHR’s three programs. Targets, baselines and results information for CIHR’s GBA+ will be available in the GC InfoBase. Progress of the Action Plan will be monitored by the GBA+ RC and the Results and Impact Unit.

Equity and Diversity Data Collection

CIHR’s Equity Strategy aims to identify and eliminate systemic biases against any individual or group that would hinder access to CIHR funds and to influence the larger health research enterprise to adopt more equitable practices. Reliable and comparable data is essential to identify, track and monitor equitable access to research funds which will inform actions to address inequities within CIHR’s funding systems. Beginning in April 2018, applicants to CIHR funding programs will be required to provide information on gender, age, and whether they identify as Indigenous, visible minority, and/or a person with a disability. The performance indicator “# and diversity of researchers and trainees supported” will be monitored across all CIHR programs; as noted above these data will be collected starting in 2018–19 FY and will be reported in the Departmental Results Framework and in the Program Information Profiles. Progress within CIHR’s Equity Strategy will be monitored by the GBA+ RC and the Results and Impact Unit.