Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo facts for kids

Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo (born September 23, 1933, died December 15, 2015) was an important activist from Mali. She worked hard for women's rights and for democracy in Africa. She also helped African countries develop using their own resources.

In 1966, she led a group of women and girls in a protest. They marched to the president's office asking for "water, bread, and democracy for the people." In 1984, she received the Paul G. Hoffmann Award for her amazing work in development.

Early Life and Education

Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo was born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Her parents were Lazarre Coulibaly and Gertrude Traore. She started her college studies in Bamako. Later, she finished her high school diploma in Dakar, Senegal.

In 1956, she earned a degree in English from the Sorbonne in Paris, France. That same year, she married Joseph Ki-Zerbo. They had five children together: three sons and two daughters.

Career and Activism

In 1961, Ki-Zerbo became an English teacher in Ouagadougou. She then became the first African female director of a teacher training school for girls. While working there, she fought for a law that would let pregnant students stay in school. This was a big step for girls' education.

Ki-Zerbo was also active on the world stage. From 1981 to 1983, she helped spread ideas about fuel-saving cookstoves. These stoves helped people save energy and money.

She became the first Director of UNIFEM (a UN fund for women) in West and Central Africa in 1987. She worked to make sure women were included in development plans. She knew that women did most of the farm work in the Sahel region of Africa. So, she encouraged leaders to give women the tools they needed to start businesses. She also helped women connect with important decision-makers.

Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo passed away on December 15, 2015, in Ouagadougou. She was buried in Toma, in the Nayala region.

Awards and Recognition

Jacqueline Ki-Zerbo received several awards for her important work.

• 1984: She won the Paul G. Hoffmann Prize. This award recognized her excellent work in helping countries develop.
• 1994: She was named one of "The Most Admired Men and Women" by The American Biographical Institute.
• 2008: She was honored as a knight of the National Order of Merit in Arts, Letters and Communication. This award was for her contributions to literature.