Born: 1933 (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso)
Biography:
Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo, born Jacqueline Coulibaly on September 23, 1933, was a prominent women’s rights activist, pro-democracy advocate, and champion of the endogenous development of Africa. Throughout her life, she defied societal expectations and fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and progress. Ki-Zerbo played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history in Mali and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the struggle for women’s rights and the pursuit of democracy.
Born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Ki-Zerbo was the daughter of Lazarre Coulibaly and Gertrude Traore. She began her education at the Collége des Jeunes Filles in Bamako and later completed her baccalaureate at École Normale de Rifisque in Dakar, Senegal. Ki-Zerbo’s intellectual pursuits led her to the Sorbonne in Paris, where she earned her license in English in 1956. It was during this time that she also married Joseph Ki-Zerbo, a prominent Burkinabé historian and politician, with whom she had three sons and two daughters.
In 1961, Ki-Zerbo started her career as an English teacher at the Lycée Philippe Zinda Kaboré in Ouagadougou. She later became the director of the Normal Course for Young Girls, which was subsequently renamed Nelson Mandela High School. But Ki-Zerbo’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. As the first female African Director of the Teacher’s Training School for Girls in Burkina Faso, she advocated for legislative reforms that would allow pregnant students to continue their studies, empowering them to pursue their ambitions and overcome societal barriers.
Ki-Zerbo’s activism went beyond the borders of Burkina Faso. In the 1960s, she joined forces with Ahmed Sékou Touré in Guinea, supporting his efforts and furthering the cause of Pan-Africanism. Her involvement in international development brought her to the forefront of the fight against drought and famine in the Sahel region. From 1981 to 1983, Ki-Zerbo coordinated the Sahel Improved Housing Programme, a vital initiative of the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel. During her tenure, she played a key role in promoting fuel-saving cookstoves, spreading knowledge and empowering communities to mitigate the impact of environmental challenges.
Ki-Zerbo’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality transcended national boundaries. She became the first Director of UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) in West and Central Africa, where she pioneered efforts to mainstream gender in development. In 1987, she represented West and Central Africa in the UNIFEM Development Fund for Women, asserting the importance of women’s empowerment and their significant contributions to the agricultural workforce in the Sahel region.
Recognizing that women constituted 80% of the Sahel’s agricultural workforce, Ki-Zerbo relentlessly campaigned for women’s economic empowerment and their inclusion in decision-making processes. She tirelessly urged governments and international donors to provide the necessary support and resources for women in the Sahel, fostering an environment where they could thrive as entrepreneurs and serve as influential intermediaries between their communities and policymakers.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ki-Zerbo’s work garnered recognition and accolades. In 1984, she was awarded the prestigious Paul G. Hoffmann Prize for her outstanding contributions to national and international development. In 1994, she was nominated as one of The American Biographical Institute’s Most Admired Men and Women, further solidifying her status as a revered global advocate. In 2008, she was decorated as a knight of the National Order of Merit in Arts, Letters, and Communication at the Ouagadougou International Book Fair, emphasizing her profound impact on the oral and written literature of her homeland.
Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of women’s rights, democracy, and sustainable development continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of determination, the pursuit of justice, and the enduring impact one individual can have on society.
Awards:
– Paul G. Hoffmann Prize for outstanding work in national and international development (1984)
– Nominated as one of The American Biographical Institute’s Most Admired Men and Women (1994)
– Decorated as a knight of the National Order of Merit in Arts, Letters, and Communication at the Ouagadougou International Book Fair (2008)