Fojo Media Institute has been a key partner of the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) since 2020, supporting the growth of investigative journalism in Francophone West Africa. An example of this impact is Elza Sandrine Sawadogo, who has broken through barriers to become a leader in the field. Her recent appointment to the GIJN Board of Directors marks a milestone, as she is the first journalist from Francophone Africa to hold this position.
As Editor-in-Chief and Director of Publication at L’Economiste du Faso, Elza Sawadogo has built a reputation for her investigative work in economic journalism. She has been instrumental in uncovering financial misconduct and corporate malpractice, contributing to greater transparency in Burkina Faso. Over the years, she has collaborated on major international investigative projects, including work with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Her expertise and leadership in investigative journalism make her a strong advocate for press freedom and media integrity in the region.
However, her journey has not been without challenges. As a woman in investigative journalism, she has faced gender-based discrimination, security threats and societal expectations that have often made it difficult to advance in the field.
“I had to sacrifice a lot in my life to become a journalist. Time with my husband was replaced with hours in front of the screen, reading documents. Weekend outings gave way to appointments and meetings with sources, or hours in libraries, and I have no African social life to speak of (participation in events with in-laws, weddings, funerals). A huge sacrifice, with its corollary; solitude and silence.”
In partnership with African Women in Media (AWIM), Fojo has carried out extensive research to identify and address the systemic barriers that hinder African women’s progress in the media. Elza Sawadogo’s experiences are shared by many women across the continent. She continues;
“Once I’d accepted the sacrifices, I had to bear its consequences. No longer able to socialise, I was branded as the woman who didn’t respect her husband or in-laws, and who neglected her parents. On the other hand, many of my male colleagues ignored me, belittled me, mocked me and often even mocked my husband, calling him a weak man who couldn’t control his wife,” she explains.
The more the years went by, the more her investigations were published and the more the threats she received also grew.
“In this environment, I had to find ways of continuing to live, work and produce. Many tricks were used and I often refused to investigate further because of the obvious security risks,” she says.
“For a woman, you have to know what you’re getting into, and if the choice is made freely, with love for the profession, the consequences are bearable.”
“Threats, self-censorship and gender stereotypes are major barriers in the career of an investigative journalist. But first and foremost is the choice to be made. For a woman, you have to know what you’re getting into, and if the choice is made freely, with love for the profession, the consequences are bearable,” says Elza Sawadogo.
Now, as a member of GIJN’s Board of Directors, she aims to use her position to drive change. She envisions a stronger, more interconnected investigative journalism community in Francophone Africa – one where journalists, particularly women, have better access to training, mentorship and resources.
“I want to encourage the sharing of skills between journalists from different linguistic regions, while promoting the development of training and support programmes specifically adapted to the needs of French-speaking journalists,” she says about the works she envisions GIJN will do in the region.
The appointment of Elza Sawadogo on the Board of Directors underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in empowering journalists and ensuring that accountability and transparency remain at the core of media work. By amplifying the voices of investigative journalists and promoting greater inclusion, Elza Sawadogo is helping to shape a more resilient and dynamic media landscape for the future, ensuring that critical stories continue to be told despite the obstacles.
