The report unveiled new research highlighting how young men and women in Serekunda experience life, opportunity, and migration. According to the findings, the daily realities of young people in the area are both distinct and overlapping. Women reported being slightly more satisfied with their lives than men, although the difference is small. While men generally have greater access to money, women are less likely to go without food. Men tend to know more people within their communities, but women maintain similar levels of close relationships with their neighbours. The research also shows that women view opportunities in Serekunda somewhat more positively.
The report notes that interest in migration is almost identical among young men and women. More than ninety per cent of both would take the chance to migrate if provided with a visa and a ticket. After marriage, women are slightly more inclined than men to consider migrating. The gender gap widens when it comes to discussing migration plans or taking concrete steps. Among those who are seriously thinking about migrating, seventy-eight per cent of men have spoken to others about their plans compared to sixty-five percent of women. Men are also far more likely to make preparations such as borrowing money, seeking information, asking for help, or applying for a visa. Forty-one per cent of men have taken such steps, compared to only twenty-three per cent of women. While unmarried young people of both genders feel similarly independent in deciding about migration, married women report far less autonomy.
On a broader regional level, the study compares migration aspirations among young people in Serekunda, Tema in Ghana, and São Vicente in Cape Verde. Surprisingly, a smaller share of youth in Serekunda, sixty-three per cent, say they prefer to migrate compared to seventy-nine per cent in the other two cities. However, if an opportunity to travel legally arises, the willingness to go rises to between ninety-six and ninety-eight per cent across all areas.
The report shows that Gambian youth hold the most polarised views about migration. They expect significant improvements in their lives but also express strong concern about the challenges and risks of leaving home. Only six per cent of respondents say they would want to live abroad permanently, and just eleven per cent would migrate if they were already comfortable financially at home. These shares are higher in Ghana and Cape Verde.
The survey further highlights the dreams and ambitions of young people in Serekunda. Out of the one thousand respondents, many prioritise professional careers, with business aspirations leading the list. Men frequently dream of becoming footballers, while women often hope to pursue careers in medicine. Education remains a major personal goal, especially for young women. Family care is another common dream for many youths. While both men and women hope to support their parents, women are more likely to emphasise caring for their children.
Economic background strongly shapes priorities. Youth from poorer households dream of improving their livelihoods, owning homes and supporting their families, while wealthier youth focus more on achievement and personal success.
Migration appears as part of the vision for roughly one in ten young people. Researchers note that this number may not be higher because migration is often seen not as an end in itself but as a means to achieve broader goals such as building a home or improving the family’s well-being.
The study concludes that the dreams of young Gambians are driven by practical needs, family connections, and a desire for opportunity.
