WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell Monday established a $10 million fund for training Iraqi women for democracy.
Powell also inaugurated the U.S. Iraq women's network for International Women's Day.
"The democracy initiative will train Iraqi women in the skills and practices of democratic public life. Programs will include education for democracy, leadership and political advocacy workshops," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.
It will also include training in entrepreneurship projects, media, and for building non-governmental organizations.
The initiative will be managed jointly by the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and the Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women's Issues.
The U.S.-Iraqi women's network will serve as a forum for sharing information and resources on self-help projects for Iraqi women, linking U.S. partners with appropriate women's groups in Iraq.
"The overarching goal is to strengthen women's advocacy skills in Iraq by providing mentoring and directing resources where they are most needed so Iraqi women can direct their own future," Boucher said.
