(State Department) -- The U.S. State Department is issuing $10 million in grants to support projects aimed at integrating Iraqi women into the political process as Iraq prepares for its January 2005 national elections.

"These grants will directly help Iraqi women deepen their involvement in Iraq's reconstruction, and mobilize women across the land to build a secure, prosperous and democratic Iraq," said Secretary of State Colin Powell in a September 27 statement.

Several academic and non-governmental organizations will execute projects designed to train potential women candidates about competing in the elections and to encourage women to exercise their right to vote. The grants will also support the establishment of women's networking and counseling centers.