Women from the ECOWAS region are meeting in Dakar to find new ways
to curb irregular migration from Sub Saharan Africa to Europe.

The two-day forum, organized by Renaissance of West African
Women (RFAO), was officially opened yesterday by Senegalese
President Abdoulaye Wade. It brings together some 250 women leaders
and representatives from women's associations who are committed to
increasing awareness among the general public of the dangers of
irregular migration.

"Courageous and determined women in Senegal and in the region
have already set up associations to combat irregular migration by
telling young people that they must not put their lives into the
hands of unscrupulous smugglers," says IOM's Deputy Director
General Ndioro Ndiaye. "Such worthwhile initiatives must be
encouraged as should approaches aimed at creating appropriate
social-economic environments that will reduce incentives for young
people to emigrate clandestinely."

One of the women taking part in the forum is Yayi Bayam Diouf
who heads the "Association des femmes pour la lutte contre
l'émigration clandestine". It holds regular meetings in the
suburbs of Dakar to persuade young men not to risk the dangerous
journey to Europe.

"I tell them that out of a hundred men who have left, maybe 50
have died at sea, 25 haven't given news of their whereabouts and 10
have been sent back. The remainder are probably in camps or have
made it to Spain where they are without a proper job," says Yayi
Bayam Diouf. "So in the end I tell them it's better to stay
here."

Today, participants will focus on ways to encourage would-be
migrants to take an active role in the development of Africa.
Temporary labour migration programmes within Africa and between
West Africa and Europe will also be discussed as a way to undercut
migrant smuggling networks.

For further information please contact:

Jo Lind Roberts

IOM Dakar

Tel: + 221 869 6200

E-mail: "mailto:jlroberts@iom.int">jlroberts@iom.int