The Danske Kvinders Forsvarsforening (DKF), or Danish Women's Defence Association, was a Danish women's organization established in 1907 to improve the readiness of the

Danish armed forces The Danish Defence (; ; ; ) is the unified armed forces of the Kingdom of Denmark charged with the defence of Denmark and its self-governing territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The military also promote Denmark's wider interests, support ...

as tensions increased across Europe. With a membership of some 50,000, it was one of the largest Danish women's organizations up to the

First World War World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

. Politically neutral, it had chapters throughout the country. With a view to making Denmark's neutrality more convincing, it sensitized politicians to the need for more effective armed forces while encouraging men to take renewed interest in defence. In 1913, a collection from its membership provided funding for ammunition and uniforms for the voluntary shooting corps. After women had obtained voting rights in 1915, it was decided future progress on defence should be based on their political involvement. The organization was therefore dissolved in 1921. Leading figures included Charlotte Norrie, founder and president 1907–15,

Agnes Slott-Møller Agnes Slott-Møller, née Rambusch (10 June 1862 in Nyboder – 11 June 1937 in Løgismose, Assens Municipality), was a Danish Symbolist painter; influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. She is known for works inspired by Danish history and folklore. ...

, president 1915–17, and Kirsten Langkilde, president 1917–19. Mathilde Malling and Johanne Münter were also active members of the organization. Given the continued support for the aims of the organization south of the new Danish border in

Southern Jutland Southern Jutland (; ) is the region south of the Kongeå in Jutland, Denmark and north of the Eider (river) in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The region north of the Kongeå is called . Both territories had their own ting assemblies in the Mi ...

, on the initiative of Ellen Bjerre, Julie Ramsing and Dagmar Schmiegelow, in 1921 a new organization was created as Danske Kvinders Slesvigske Forening (Danish Women's Scheswig Association).

References

{{Reflist Organizations established in 1907 Organizations disestablished in 1921 1907 establishments in Denmark Women's organizations based in Denmark

See also

References