Authorities in Danané sound alarm on dangers of unregulated migration among young women
Danané, a border town in western Ivory coast, is at the centre of a major awareness campaign launched by Ivorian authorities on July 15, 2025, aimed at curbing irregular migration among young girls and women.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, with backing from the International Labour Organization (ILO), is part of the “Integrated Programme for Fair Recruitment (FAIR III).”
It seeks to inform local communities of the perils of unregulated migration and promote well-prepared, legal routes abroad.
Held at the Danané prefecture, the campaign’s launch broug
ht together officials from the prefectural body, representatives from the Foreign Ministry, and women’s association leaders. A key concern was the increasing number of girls from the region who fall victim to abuse and exploitation after migrating under unsafe conditions, particularly to Gulf nations and certain ECOWAS countries.
“We have increasingly noticed that migration is becoming more female, and therefore our young girls and sisters are facing difficult situations and abuse,” said Tanoh N’dri Aya Alida, the ILO’s national coordinator for the FAIR III project.
She added that Danané was selected because “most of these young girls come from the West,” citing statistics from the General Directorate of Ivorians Abroad (DGIE).
The campaign includes educational outreach through markets, community radio stations, and women’s groups. A repatriated migrant is also sharing her story, detailing the abuse and dangers she endured abroad and the challenges of reintegrating upon her return with the DGIE’s assistance.
“We are not saying that migration is a bad thing, but we are drawing attention to the dangers and risks,” Tanoh stated. She urged young women to prepare properly and secure reliable information before leaving the country.
Silué Richard, Deputy Director of Partner Relations at the Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s support for regulated migration.
“What we came to tell them is that the government stands by their side so that if they want to migrate, it must be done regularly and in a well-planned manner.”
Prefect Hahoutou N’guessan Vincent called on community leaders to spread the campaign’s message more widely, saying, “Take over what is already being done.”
Sokoua Eugénie Thérèse of the Femmes du Mont Nimba association echoed that sentiment, stating, “It’s the lack of information that pushes them to let themselves go until death ensues.”
Information leaflets, T-shirts, and brochures are being distributed throughout the week, offering guidance on safe migration paths and access to the Youth Employment Agency.
About The Author
