Tamale, Nov. 12, GNA - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), h= as launch this year's edition of the State of the World's Population Report,= to guide policy makers and researchers to draw programmes that would help prevent conflicts and enhance development. Based on the theme: "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generation= of Change," the report draws attention to how protracted conflicts are experienced globally and their devastating effects particularly on women and children. It also talks about how women and young people had overcome seemingl= y insurmountable obstacles and begun rebuilding their lives and laying the foundation for peace and the renewal of their societies. Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister who launched th= e report in Tamale, on Thursday, said the document would help broaden the knowledge base of leaders on the extent of damage conflicts could cause a= nd how the phenomenon could be strategically managed. He said the report was the first of its kind to illustrate how women=

and girls were affected by disasters and conflicts as well as providing models of rebuilding. Mr Mabengba noted that in conflict situations and large-scale disasters, women and children are vulnerable to attacks, including sexual=

violence in which the physical, psychological and social harm caused to r= ape victims could not be overstated. The Regional Minister said empowering women is an indispensable tool=

for advancing development and reducing poverty adding: "The achievement o= f gender equality will require transformation of all aspects of our culture= s and institutions." "We must work towards this if we recognise that the promotion of gen= der equality and the empowerment of women are critical to the reduction of conflicts and crises, hunger and disease and the achievement of developme= nt that is truly sustainable", he said. More MAS/JA