Mariam Ouedraogo, 'Media Person of the Year 2025' by Kerala Media Academy

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant recognition of her fearless journalism, Mariam Ouedraogo, a prominent African media professional from Burkina Faso, has been named the 'Media Person of the Year 2025' by Media, the flagship magazine of the Kerala Media Academy. This marks the first time the prestigious award has been conferred upon an African journalist, highlighting the global impact of her work.

Mariam Ouedraogo has gained international acclaim for her courageous reporting on sexual violence, particularly against women and children, perpetrated by extremist groups in conflict-ridden Burkina Faso. Her investigative pieces have shed light on the harrowing experiences of survivors, including children born out of rape, and have brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The award, which includes a cash prize of rupees 1 lakh, a trophy, and a certificate of honor, will be presented in April 2025. Kerala Media Academy Chairman R S Babu announced the decision, emphasizing that Ouedraogo's work exemplifies the highest standards of journalism in the face of adversity.

A Legacy of Courageous Reporting

Mariam Ouedraogo, a reporter for the state-owned daily Sidwaya, has consistently highlighted the plight of marginalized communities, including displaced women and children, in Burkina Faso. Her groundbreaking series, "The Road to Hell for Internally Displaced Women," exposed the horrors faced by women fleeing violence in areas controlled by extremist groups. This reporting drew international attention and prompted the Burkina Faso government to relocate hundreds of women to safer "solidarity hostels."Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Knight International Journalism Award from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and the prestigious Bayeux-Calvados-Normandy Award for War Correspondents. However, her relentless pursuit of truth has come at a personal cost. Ouedraogo has battled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of her exposure to traumatic events while reporting on sexual violence.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Born into a polygamous family in the neighboring Ivory Coast, Ouedraogo began her journalism career in 2008 as an intern at Burkina Faso's national press agency. She joined Sidwaya in 2013 and has become a symbol of resilience and courage in a country grappling with Islamist extremism and political instability. Her reporting has not only exposed the atrocities committed by extremist groups but also highlighted the struggles of ordinary citizens, including pregnant women forced to travel hundreds of miles for ultrasound scans.

Ouedraogo's work has transcended borders, earning her admiration in Africa and internationally. Her reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso has been instrumental in drawing global attention to the region's ongoing conflict, which has displaced nearly two million people and claimed thousands of lives.

Award Recognizes Global Journalistic Excellence

The Kerala Media Academy's 'Media Person of the Year' award has previously honored distinguished journalists such as Pavol Holszovsky of Slovakia (2023) and Al Jazeera's Gaza Bureau Chief Wael Dahdouh (2024). Dahdouh, who lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to reporting from conflict zones.

This year, the selection process also included special mentions for Nataliya Gumenyuk, a Ukrainian journalist whose reporting on the abduction of children by Russian forces led to an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin, and Elizabeth Puranam, an Al Jazeera correspondent known for her coverage of the Middle East.

Mariam Ouedraogo's recognition as the 2025 'Media Person of the Year' underscores the vital role of journalism in exposing injustice and advocating for the vulnerable. Her work is a testament to the power of the press in challenging oppression and giving voice to the voiceless.