Speaking at the International Media Festival of Kerala, renowned Burkinabé journalist Mariam Ouedraogo delivered a powerful message: journalists must never cease asking tough questions, no matter how challenging or perilous the circumstances.
During her interaction with poet and novelist Anupama Raju, conducted in French, Ouedraogo acknowledged the persistent threats—from wars and conflicts to authoritarian regimes and various other dangers. Yet, she firmly asserted that journalism’s vital role must prevail, and reporters are obligated to speak out.
While Ouedraogo, who contributes to the French newspaper Sidwaya, fundamentally believes in journalism’s duty to inform and raise public awareness, she also recounted compelling instances where her reporting directly spurred governmental action and brought about significant social change.
Impactful Reporting
In 2015, Ouedraogo’s investigative pieces on visually challenged students being excluded from mainstream education compelled the government to launch a mission aimed at creating a more inclusive educational framework. Similarly, her coverage of homeless women prompted swift government intervention, leading to immediate relocation to hostels and sustained efforts to provide secure housing. Furthermore, her 2018 campaign advocating for improved access to ultrasound machines for pregnant women even garnered the attention of the Prime Minister, resulting in the successful installation of these crucial medical devices.
More recently, Ouedraogo shared the harrowing story of a 13-year-old girl, a survivor of rape by a 47-year-old man, who subsequently had a child. Ouedraogo rallied support to ensure the girl’s education and rehabilitation, ultimately securing a scholarship that allowed her to continue her studies, unburdened by the immense challenges of early motherhood.
Her compassionate reporting, which consistently amplifies the voices of the marginalized—especially those illustrating the brutal impact of conflict on women—has earned her widespread international acclaim. She boasts an impressive collection of nearly 25 awards, including the prestigious ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award and the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award. The Kerala Media Academy’s flagship magazine, Media, further recognized her contributions by naming her ‘Media Person of the Year 2025’.
Despite her monumental achievements, Ouedraogo openly admits the heavy personal cost of her work. Repeated exposure to horrific accounts of crimes against women has led her to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Although medical professionals have advised her to take a hiatus, she remains unwavering in her commitment, continuing to report stories because she feels unable to detach herself from the pressing realities unfolding daily around her.
She has, remarkably, learned to coexist with her trauma.
Prioritizing Well-being in Journalism
Nevertheless, she passionately advocates for both seasoned and aspiring journalists to prioritize their well-being, particularly mental health. She stresses the importance of establishing a crucial emotional buffer between themselves and the profound suffering of the individuals they cover.
Ouedraogo also voiced concern that conflicts in Burkina Faso and its neighboring regions often receive significantly less media attention compared to crises in areas like Gaza or Ukraine. She emphasized the urgent need for equitable reporting, asserting that all humanitarian crises deserve equal coverage and global recognition.