On the occasion of International Migrants Day, celebrated on December 18, the National Association of Migrant Partners (AMPM) organised a meeting in Mbour for exchanges and reflection on the theme "Women impacted by migration: what actions to alleviate their difficulties?".

According to Ibrahima Mboup, in charge of communication for AMPM, this day aims to pay tribute to migrants, but above all to draw attention to the profound consequences of migration within families, particularly among women.

"Migration has a heavy impact on families, and it is women who suffer the most, both psychologically and financially," he explained.

The discussions highlighted the multiple difficulties faced by migrant families: psychosocial distress, trauma related to the disappearance or prolonged absence of a loved one, economic insecurity and increased family responsibilities for women who remained in the country.

Faced with this situation, panel participants stressed the need to put in place psychosocial assistance mechanisms to support the families of migrants and victims of migration.

In parallel, AMPM advocates sustainable economic support, focused on vocational training for women and support for income-generating projects, in order to promote their empowerment.

But for Ibrahima Mboup, raising awareness alone is no longer enough. "Migration is a social phenomenon and a right. We cannot prevent young people from leaving. We must instead support families and rethink migration policies," he stressed.

The AMPM is also calling on the European Union to tighten visa requirements, arguing that the lack of legal pathways is pushing many young people to take dangerous migration routes. The association is therefore advocating for a review of visa policies and greater reciprocity.

Delegations from Némantaba, Pakour, Diourbel, Kayar, Thiadiaye and Ziguinchor took part in the meeting, confirming the national dimension of AMPM and its commitment to women impacted by migration.