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Women in the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have been challenged to use their professional knowledge to educate their families, communities and the nation on the devastating effects of irregular migration. Professor Efua Hesse, Head of the Department of Surgery of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital noted in Accra on Friday that studies had shown that in Africa, women encourage their children to travel in search of greener pastures. "We (women) are often ready to sell our cloths and jewels to push their children to travel, thinking that the grass we see on the other side is greener than the one we have locally, which is often not the case if those who have experienced it, only if they would only speak the truth," She added. The Paediatric Surgeon threw the challenge when she launched the Ghana Immigration Ladies Club (IMMILAC) in Accra on the theme: "Irregular migration, the role of the Immigration Ladies." IMMILAC established in 1992, aims at uniting all female employees of the GIS, creating a forum for sharing practical experience for the discussion of matters relating to the welfare of members as well as encourage, promote and enhance productivity. It has about 800 members. Prof. Hesse noted that through irregular migration the nation was losing its strong virile youth to other countries, adding that in some cases some of them drown, fall into the hands of robbers or live with horrifying disabilities or even die as result. "IMMILAC ladies need to let the society feel their presence in the fight against irregular migration at home, in churches, mosques, the market places so that we do not lose our most valuable resource, which are the strong virile of the youth." She said issues of irregular migration were of great interest to all women because they end up as the majority of victims. Across the globe, Professor Hesse, noted that millions were investing billions of dollars to curb irregular migration, which was having negative effect on their economies and their national development. She said Egypt was building iron wall along its borders to curb irregular movement of persons, adding that Spain and Italy had also invested heavily in the Sea Horse Project to fight the trend. Ms Elizabeth Agyei, Director General, GIS commended the newly sworn 12- member executive for organising the women. She pledged to bridge the gap between women and men in the service. Ms Agyei therefore tasked the women to work harder to justify the confidence reposed in them. "Move from success to significance, strive to live like women who are fulfilled in life and remain focused. Be role models in the area and the community you live in." She called on the members stamp out corrupt practices in the service and uphold high standards of professionalism. Assistant Director of Immigration (ADI) Elizabeth Baffoe, President of IMMILAC pledged the clubs commitment to educate the nation of the effects of irregular migration. The occasion brought together ladies from the Ghana National Fire Service, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prison Service and the New Times Corporation.