One hundred young men and women, victims of violence perpetrated by illegal armed groups and at high risk for recruitment into these groups, are receiving support from IOM to learn new skills, create micro enterprises and move away from violence.

Some of the business opportunities offered to the participants include computer maintenance, Internet cafes, gymnasiums, domestic appliance stores, and food sales.

Increasing the participation of Iraqi women in conflict resolution and in building a lasting peace were among the issues discussed today at a United Nations-organized forum in Baghdad to highlight the 10th anniversary of a landmark Security Council resolution on the subject.

About 15 years ago, when I was running the United Nations Association in San Francisco, I was asked by women immigration lawyers to address their legal society to convince the male lawyers that women could qualify as a category suffering state persecution. This would make them eligible for U.S. immigration and such eligibility would lead to a flood. The female lawyers were already on board, but their male colleagues were not.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated a new policy on Tuesday to encourage population growth, dismissing Iran's decades of internationally-acclaimed family planning as ungodly and a Western import.

A recent gathering of Latin America's top economic commission issued a document praising secularism, condemning "lesbophobia," calling for redistributive social systems, and liberally promoting sexual and reproductive rights.

Davao City, Philippines—In celebration of the International Women's Month this March, the Philippine government has issued Executive Order 865 creating the national steering committee on Women, Peace and Security.

August is dubbed Women's Month. It affords us an opportunity to celebrate, recognise and acknowledge the pivotal role played by women in the struggle against apartheid.

Interestingly, August is also the month that the ANC Women's League rises from the ashes. After that, it vanishes back into obscurity. Does the league have a programme? If so, why do we hear its voice only in Women's Month?

The atrocities against the tribal people of Burma continue to mount, yet the world continues to ignore their plight. In Part 3 of our series about Vision Beyond Borders, we're taking a look at how women and children are being affected by what's being called a "genocide" in Burma by many who work there.

Burmese women in Thailand are making their voices heard for the sake of peace in Burma to mark democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's 65th birthday today.

Peace Corps Alternative1-12 week programs, start dates year-round. Enroll online today!www.CrossCulturalSolutions.org

Today, MADRE staff members begin a three-day fact-finding mission to Haiti, gathering evidence on post-disaster violations of women's human rights to present before international and Haitian government officials.