Forum Dvorah
Women in Foreign Policy and National Security
Forum Dvorah is the premier organization in Israel dedicated to women in national security and foreign policy. As a professional community, it brings together hundreds of female experts with a collective experience spanning thousands of years. The Forum embraces a broad spectrum of perspectives and operates as a non-partisan entity
Founded in 2015 by 12 women, all in former leadership roles in the fields of national security and foreign policy, the Forum’s mission is to advocate for the inclusion of women in decision-making positions within the realms of foreign affairs, national security, and beyond. It is committed to advancing female expertise in these domains, increasing their representation in public, media, and professional discourse, and cultivating the next generation of women leaders in these critical areas
Research has shown that integration of women into decision-making processes enhances professional dialogue and leads to more informed, effective policies and actions. Forum members come from diverse backgrounds yet are, united by their expertise in security and foreign affairs
Forum Dvorah is a registered nonprofit organization
What's new at Forum Dvorah?
Forum Dvorah's Position on the High Court Petition Regarding Female Combatants
Following the latest hearing on the petition regarding female combatants (July 24), it is evident that the position presented by the IDF and the state - both prior to and during the hearing, continues to rely on a "pilot/experimentation" approach
July 23, 2024
Forum Dvorah Advocates for Equal Burden Sharing and Opposes the Exclusion of Women
In any discussion concerning the constitutional framework for military recruitment and burden-sharing, the principle of equality must remain a cornerstone to the recruitment law. This includes a steadfast commitment to preventing the exclusion of women from the IDF or any other institution where military or civilian service is mandated.
August 12, 2024
Forum Dvorah Award Ceremony for the Years 2023-2024
Nearly 800 media appearances by Forum Dvorah members in 2024
Forum Dvorah Award for 2023-2024
Forum Dvorah Award for 2023-2024
The Forum Dvorah Association proudly presents the Forum Dvorah Award annually, recognizing distinguished women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and influence in the fields of national security and foreign policy. These women have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to play a pivotal role in shaping these areas.
The award is presented in four categories:
Forum Dvorah Award for Lifetime Achievement
Forum Dvorah Award in National Security
Forum Dvorah Award in Foreign Policy
Forum Dvorah Award for Young Leadership
The selection process for the Forum Dvorah Award is overseen by a dedicated committee composed of the founding members of Forum Dvorah, representatives of the executive board, and the Executive Director.
Recipients of the 2023-2024 Forum Dvorah Awards:
Tali Lipkin-Shahak, journalist, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award
All female IDF Lookouts who served through the generations, awarded the National Security Award
Ambassador Aliza Ben-Nun, awarded the Award for Advancing Foreign Policy
Researcher Ofir Dayan, awarded the Young Leadership Award
For further details about the Forum Dvorah Award recipients, please refer to the Forum Dvorah Award Ceremony for the Years 2023-2024.
To recognize, to honor, to commemorate
On the occasion of Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day 2024 for the Fallen Soldiers, Forum Dvorah has launched a dedicated website in Recognition of the Women who Served and Fought and in Commemoration of the Women who Fell.
The memorial website honors the memory of women who served in combat and tragically fell during the October 7, 2023 war. A total of 55 female soldiers, commanders, police officers, and security personnel made the ultimate sacrifice.
Recipient of the National Security Model Prize by INSS
"Since its inception , Forum Dvorah has played a pivotal role in amplifying the female perspective in national decision-making processes and has significantly contributed to increasing women's participation across Israel’s security and policy institutions."
"Today, Forum Dvorah is the leading organization in Israel dedicated to ensure greater female representation in professional panels, conferences, and media, as well as advancing women in security institutions, particularly in the IDF."
"On the societal level, he Forum contributes to promoting gender equality and combating violence, advancing women in the business sector, fighting against the exclusion of women, and integrating gender-sensitive thinking"
According to the IDF, women—both soldiers and commanders—make up 20% of its combat force today
of the general public 71% agree that the number of women in the Knesset, in the government, and in senior public service positions should be increased, according to The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI)
Women in Decision-Making Role
Extensive research over recent decades consistently shows that gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives lead to better, more effective, accurate, and sustainable decision-making, both in times of crisis and in day-to-day operations. The underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions limits diversity and undermines the quality of the decisions made
Moreover, expanding the pool of candidates for senior positions to include a broader segment of the population increases the likelihood of identifying and appointing highly qualified individuals, including a significant number of skilled women professionals
Despite the presence of numerous highly skilled women with extensive expertise in fields such as the military, national security, and foreign policy, women are still systematically excluded from critical discussions in these areas. Forum Dvorah is committed to changing this reality
As of 2025, the average percentage of women on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies is 27%
Our Donors
Being a part of Forum Dvora means belonging to a community of accomplished, influential, and inspiring women. Since joining the forum, I have seen firsthand how talented women support one another, exchange knowledge, and increasingly establish their presence in decision-making roles. It is not just a space for professional growth—it is a genuine platform for influence and driving meaningful change
Colonel (Res.) Adi Bershadsky
Member of Forum Dvorah
Initiator and Chair of the Steering Committee for the Board of Directors Program in National Security and Foreign Affairs, Forum Dvorah
Member of the Executive Board of Forum Dvorah
"Forum Dvorah is far more than a professional network – it is an inspiring community. Within it, I have encountered driven, goal-oriented women who have become genuine partners in this journey. It is a space where leadership translates into meaningful action."
Dr. Pnina Shuker, Member of Forum Dvorah, Researcher and Lecturer on National Security Issues.
"Being a member of the Forum Dvorah is an esteemed privilege. The Forum brings together remarkable women who are committed to driving change and actively working to transform vision into reality. It is a community that continually empowers and inspires me."
Shiri Fein Grossman,
CEO of the Israel-Africa Relations Institute,
Member of the Executive Board of Forum Dvorah
"The Forum provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with empowering women and to be part of a supportive community dedicated to influencing the country and shaping a better future for women in Israel. It serves as a platform for me to raise my voice and take action on behalf of women, with the hope that the challenges and experiences I have encountered will pave the way for those who follow."
Major (Res.) Or Cohen,
Naval Officer and the First Female Dvorah Patrol Boat Commander in the IDF
Member of the Executive Board of Forum Dvorah
"Forum Dvorah repeatedly reminds decision-makers and the public of the importance of having talented, intelligent, and experienced women in decision-making positions, in the media, and in public discourse. This is a top priority."
Ofir Dayan, Member of the Executive Board of Forum Dvorah, researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies.
During the Iron Swords War, of the 350,000 reservists mobilized, approximately 65,000 were women, compared to fewer than 7,000 women in the reserves during Operation Protective Edge
Goals of the Dvorah Forum
Fostering a Professional Community
A network of distinguished leading women in the fields of national security and foreign policy in Israel
Advancing Public Policy
Promoting equitable and inclusive policies that integrate women into decision-making processes in foreign policy and national security
Fostering Future Leadership
the development of a dedicated Forum for young women in mid-level positions, aimed at cultivating a pipeline for future leadership in the fields of national security and foreign policy
Engagement in Public Discourse
Promoting the inclusion of women in media and public discussions on national security and foreign policy issues