Kerala: On the night of September 30, 2025, in Kerala, India, journalist Mariam Ouedraogo from Editions Sidwaya received the “International Media Personality of the Year Award” from the Kerala Media Academy during the International Media Festival. The trophy was presented to her by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan. She becomes the first African journalist to receive this distinction, established three years ago to honor professionals whose writings shed light on crucial public opinion.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Academy’s director, RS Babu, stated that Mariam Ouedraogo’s work “embodies journalistic integrity and courage” and sets a benchmark for her peers around the world. Working at Sidwaya since 2013, Ms. Ouedraogo has distinguished herself through investigations into the condition of women and children in the context of the security crisis in Burkina Faso. Her articles, particularly on sexual violence committed by terrorists, have been widely praised for their relevance and impact.

Receiving her award, the laureate expressed her gratitude to the Academy and the Kerala government, reaffirming her commitment to “giving voice to the silent cries of women devastated by terrorism.” She dedicated her trophy to victims of violence, as well as to her media outlet Sidwaya, which, according to her, “has raised the voice of the voiceless.”

Already the recipient of more than twenty national and international distinctions, including the Reporter Without Borders Prize – Mohamed Maga, the Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents, and the ICFJ Knight Prize in the United States, Mariam Ouedraogo was elevated to the rank of Knight of the Order of Merit of Arts, Letters and Communication in December 2023.