This tool aims to introduce political and implementation actors to the need for a gender perspective in the conduct of defence reform activities. It therefore addresses both the technical aspects of defence reform, such as the conduct of defence review and recruitment policies, as well as more political level activities, such as civil oversight of the defence sector.

Local ownership of SSR processes is widely acknowledged and advocated in current international discourse. National actors, located in government ministries, defence services, research institutions and civil society are therefore a target audience of the tool. The tool provides insight into defence reform processes and the manner in which women can be integrated into the armed forces and defence structures. It also highlights areas for advocacy and civil society mobilisation in the quest for democratically controlled armed forces. The tool includes:

- An introduction to defence reform
- The rationale for why integrating gender strengthens defence reform processes
- Practical actions to integrate gender into defence reform initiatives
- An overview of particular gender and defence reform issues in post-conflict, transitional, developing and developed country contexts