Origins of Forum Dvorah
Forum Dvorah traces its origins to 2009, when a group of leading women in national security and foreign policy united in a joint initiative, supported by The Institute for Inclusive Security
This pioneering effort sought to advance the inclusion of women in national security decision-making and peace negotiations, in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 1325
In 2015, Forum Dvorah was formally registered as a nonprofit organization (Amuta)
In 2015, Deborah Forum was registered as an Israeli non-profit organization (non-profit organization number 580604585).
We are a non-partisan, non-profit organization designed to promote the integration of women in the field of security and foreign policy in the State of Israel by creating a network of professional women in these fields.
This is a unique organization in terms of its goals and the characteristics of its participants, who come from a variety of opinions and backgrounds, with the common denominator being engagement in the security and political fields.
The Deborah Forum works to include women in official committees dealing with foreign policy and security issues, including issues related to the status and advancement of women in the IDF and the defense establishment, as well as to integrate women in academic discussions, conferences, professional panels, and in the Israeli media on security issues in Israel and around the world.
The forum operates in collaboration with official bodies such as members of Knesset from a variety of political backgrounds, government ministries, security organizations, and civil society organizations; this is from the perspective that women's participation contributes to the development and enrichment of Israeli security and political discourse.
UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in October 2000, mandates policymakers to consider the experiences of women and girls living in conflict zones and areas affected by violent disputes.
It recognizes the unique impact such situations have on the lives of women, girls, and children, as well as the critical importance of ensuring women's full and equal participation in decision-making processes, peace negotiations, and conflict resolution.
Key points of Resolution 1325:
Participation: Equal and meaningful inclusion of women and girls in all aspects of peace processes, including conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping, and post-conflict recovery.
Protection: Protection of women and girls during and after violent conflict (including in emergencies and humanitarian disasters) from violence, especially gender-based violence.
Gender Mainstreaming: Integrating a gender perspective into all areas of peace and security and decision-making, including through planning, budgeting, and response actions.
Why are we named "Dvorah"?
The Forum is named after the Biblical prophet Dvorah (Deborah):
A Leader, Judge, Counsellor, Warrior, and Poet
An extraordinary woman of her time who serves as a role model and source of inspiration to this day.
