How almost dying on a migrant boat gave me a new purpose

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Baye Seyni Sène almost died at sea in his attempt to leave behind a difficult life in Senegal. He had dreamt of reaching Europe, thinking it was just a test of courage. But the boat was overcrowded and quickly got into difficulty. They had run out of fuel and were drifting for several days without food or water. When they eventually made it to land and he returned to his home in Dakar, Baye made it his mission to dissuade others from taking the same risks. Back in his neighbourhood, he set up a school for underprivileged children. He also founded an association called AMAG to support returned migrants and prevent future migration. He wants to demonstrate that there are ways to succeed within the country. Kalista Sy is on a mission to show West African women that they can be themselves. She’s created a TV series called 'Maitresse d'un homme marié' which tackles subjects which are normally off limits in Senegal – including infidelity, domestic abuse and polygamy. The series, which first aired in 2019, is hugely popular, even though it also been criticised for its frankness about sex. Kalista tells Jo Fidgen how she was inspired to find her own ways to succeed by her mother's precarious situation in life. This interview was first broadcast in 2020. Presenter: Hannah Ajala Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Baye Seyni Sène / Credit: Maria Gerth-Niculescu)