Housing costs are the biggest expense that most people have, and rents and mortgage costs continue to go up. If you find yourself shopping for a new apartment to live in every few years or have a mortgage that is too expensive, there are ways to get your living situation stable. First, you need to be a member of the military or a person who has been honorably discharged, or you have to be the spouse of a service member to qualify for VA loan refinancing. Whether you’re a single woman looking for … [Read more...]
Norway extends mandatory military service to women
Norway has voted to extend mandatory military conscription to all citizens, regardless of gender, the first peacetime European or NATO country to do so. Women will now likely face one year of military service as of 2015. Norway's parliament overwhelmingly backed a resolution on Friday, which urges the government to push ahead with legislation on gender neutral conscription. "Rights and duties should be the same for all," said Labour lawmaker Laila Gustavsen, a supporter of the bill. … [Read more...]
SYRIA – Fleeing for their lives, “My daughter is 2 months old,” one woman said.
Syrians flee violence in dangerous nighttime trek to Jordan (CNN) -- With darkness as their only cover, Syrian families make a break for northern Jordan. They are fleeing for their lives. Small children walk alongside their mothers, whose arms are reserved for babies and whatever possessions they can carry. In a treacherous nighttime escape such as this one, you walk if you're old enough. As the group makes its way over the border, just a few meters away from its … [Read more...]
Justice for victims of war-time sexual violence
December 2012 – A United Nations senior official and an independent human rights expert today joined their voices in calling for States to ensure the right to truth and justice for victims of war-time sexual violence, as well as accountability for perpetrators. “Truth, justice and accountability are key in upholding the human rights of women and their right to a life free from violence, particularly in countries in post-conflict situations,” the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, … [Read more...]
Women in Combat – Fifth Annual “Best Sapper” Competition
Female Sappers forge path for Women in Combat 1st Lt. Christine E. Murray, a competitor in this year's Fifth Annual "Best Sapper" Competition, is the first female to ever compete in this challenging event. As the Army considers opening Ranger School to female soldiers, women have shown their ability to tackle another prestigious Army course for the past 13 years. The 28-day Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where combat engineers and engineer officers earn the coveted … [Read more...]
Stop Human Rights Abuses in the Philippines, Take Action!
In 2010, Philippines President Benigno Aquino promised to crack down on human rights abuses by the military. Since he took office, however, the abuses have continued. Demand that President Aquino Take Action against human rights violations committed by the military.» President Aquino came into power a year ago. Since then, his military has been linked to the murder of seven activists and the disappearance of three more. Investigations into military-related killings and disappearances often … [Read more...]
Care2 – STOP Military Sexual Violence against Egyptian Women!
On March 9th, military police and civilian men attacked and destroyed the camp of peaceful demonstrators in Tahrir Square. 18 women were arrested and dragged to a museum not far away where they were abused and violated.Tell the Head of the military in Egypt to stop the violence against female protesters.»The women were beaten and strip searched as groups of men watched and photographed them. They were also forced to submit to a "virginity test" and told that any woman who was not either married … [Read more...]
HHS – Thanks Veterans …'The VA is a major partner in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.'
Today is Veterans Day Today we thank our veterans for their service to the nation—and we recognize that the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is the single largest provider of HIV care in the United States. The VA is a major partner in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. You can learn more about the VA’s HIV programs at HIV/AIDS: For Patients and the Public. By Miguel Gomez, AIDS.gov Director Website: http://blog.aids.gov/ … [Read more...]