Oureratou Ouedraogo: Burkina Faso's Leading Voice in Climate Justice

In the heart of West Africa, where the Sahel meets the savannah, emerges a formidable advocate for environmental justice: Oureratou Ouedraogo. An environmental economist hailing from Burkina Faso, Oureratou has dedicated her career to intertwining the threads of gender equality and climate action, ensuring that sustainable development is both inclusive and effective.

As the National Coordinator for Burkina Faso at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Oureratou specializes in development issues, sustainability, and gender mainstreaming in policies and programs. Her academic foundation includes a Master's in Economics with a focus on Macroeconomics and Development Management, complemented by advanced studies in Integrated Management and Sustainable Development of the West African Coastline, as well as international gender studies. 

Oureratou's leadership extends to her role as President of the African Network on Gender Equality and Sustainable Development (ANGEL_SD). Through ANGEL_SD, she champions the cause of strengthening African women's access to climate finance, emphasizing that true climate resilience is unattainable without addressing the unique challenges faced by African women.

She passionately asserts, "There can be no climate justice without addressing the impact of climate change on African women as they remain the most impacted by the climate crisis." 

In her capacity at PACJA, Oureratou leads the African Activists for Climate Justice program in Burkina Faso. This initiative amplifies the voices of the continent's most vulnerable groups, women, youth, and indigenous communities equipping them with the tools and platforms to advocate for their rights and promote sustainable environmental practices. 

Oureratou's influence is further evident in her participation in high-level dialogues addressing gender inequality and food systems in Africa. She has highlighted the devastating impact of conflict on food systems and the resultant loss of assets, advocating for policies that bolster the resilience of African communities against such adversities.

Through her multifaceted roles, Oureratou Ouedraogo exemplifies the power of integrating gender perspectives into environmental advocacy. Her work not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by climate change but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future for all Africans.


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