In Senegal, women represent a significant portion of migration flows and remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation and violence. This was stated by Aïssata Kane, head of mission for the International Organization for Migration in Senegal, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia, on Thursday at the launch of Phase II of the "Making Migration Safe for Women" program in Dakar. She emphasized that 66% of female migrants travel alone, which increases their vulnerability to various forms of abuse, violence, and trafficking networks.

According to data collected by the IOM, between December 2024 and December 2025, 2,500 migration movements were observed in Senegal, 33% of which involved women, 28% of whom were adults. The primary motivations for migration were economic, with 39% of women interviewed stating they migrated to improve their living conditions, while 36% cited family reunification as the reason.

“Migration can be a strategy for improving living conditions and achieving economic empowerment for women. However, these migratory journeys are also marked by significant risks, including exploitation, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and precarious working conditions,” stated Aïssata Kane. She further noted that Senegal occupies a strategic position in West African migration patterns. Located on the axis of migration routes from the Atlantic to the Canary Islands and also to the Americas, the country is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, destination, and return. “While migration can be a lever for women’s economic empowerment, it also exposes them to major risks of exploitation and precariousness,” she pointed out.

She noted that the Senegalese authorities recently brought together several partners to review national contributions under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, in view of the global review scheduled for May.

In addition, she notes that the gender dimension is also essential in reintegration policies. "In 2025, out of 4,200 assisted returns by the organization in Senegal, 466 concerned women, requiring specific support mechanisms," she says.

For Aïssata Kane, effective migration governance relies on a concerted approach involving public institutions, civil society, international organizations, and the migrants themselves. "Migration is a cross-cutting issue. Its management requires collaboration among all stakeholders so that it becomes a safe choice and a true driver of sustainable development," she stated.