🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Graphic designer Atika Ouattara discusses her career, challenges, and the role of AI in her field
via Lefaso.net10 min read
On International Girls in ICT Day, graphic designer, entrepreneur, and trainer Atika Ouattara shared insights into her career, which began with a professional reorientation from geography to graphic design after discovering it post-baccalaureate. She founded Noblesse_art, a visual creation company that offers graphic design training and services like poster and logo design. Ouattara discussed the challenges she faced as a young woman in the field in Burkina Faso, particularly initial client skepticism due to her gender and the demanding nature of the work. She emphasizes the importance of digital communication and social media for visibility, citing a TikTok post about a luminous sign she created as a pivotal moment for her career. Ouattara also highlighted the positive impact of artificial intelligence on her work, noting its ability to accelerate visual creation and calling it an essential ally for professionals. She stressed that effective AI use requires advanced knowledge and training. Additionally, she has authored a book titled "Dans la tête d’un graphiste" In the Mind of a Graphic Designer, which offers insights into the daily life and challenges of a graphic designer. Ouattara concluded with a strong message of encouragement for young girls considering careers in digital fields, urging them to be courageous and not to be limited by societal expectations about gender-specific professions.
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AfroPhygital Leagues is officially coming to Ouagadougou, offering a unique tournament that combines real-world basketball with virtual NBA 2K gaming. The event, described as "One competition. Two worlds. One Africa," will hold its grand finale from April 24-26, 2026, at the Maison des Jeunes de Ouagadougou. Admission to the event is free for the public. Further details regarding participating teams, the full program, and categories will be announced soon.
The UEMOA Court of Justice is conducting a training program for judicial students and chief clerks at the National School of Administration and Magistracy ENAM in Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of future magistrates and clerks in community law, familiarizing them with the functioning and procedures of the West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA. Joséphine Suzanna Ébah Touré, a judge at the UEMOA Court of Justice, representing the President of the Court, presided over the opening of the event. She emphasized that national judges are common law judges of UEMOA community law, making it crucial for national judicial actors to be trained in general and procedural community law. The training covers the institutional and legal framework of UEMOA, the Court's powers and procedural rules, and the preliminary ruling procedure. Salfo Ouédraogo, Secretary General of ENAM, highlighted the importance of harmonized and effective justice in line with community law requirements. Dr. Kalifa Bagué, First Advocate General of the UEMOA Court of Justice, noted that community law is integrated into Burkina Faso's legislative framework and stressed the need for its inclusion in judicial training curricula. He explained that the Court's mission is to disseminate community law, ensuring that future legal professionals are well-equipped to interpret and apply it effectively.
During his stay in Bobo-Dioulasso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, met with the military hierarchy of the 2nd region. Discussions focused on the security measures implemented for the National Culture Week, scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Lieutenant-Colonel Lassané Porgo, commander of the 2nd military region, stated that the audience allowed them to brief the President, who is the supreme commander of the national armed forces, on the security arrangements for the event. Lieutenant-Colonel Porgo also mentioned that they welcomed the President to their garrison and provided an update on the security of the National Culture Week. The military hierarchy of Guiriko reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to Captain Ibrahim Traoré, pledging to fulfill their mission and remain at his disposal to secure their area of responsibility and contribute to the overall security of Burkina Faso.
Must ReadAt the departmental high school in Pâ, 378 girls are facing significant challenges related to menstrual hygiene, leading many to miss school days. Carine Dabiré, speaking on behalf of her peers, highlighted that menstruation is a monthly source of anxiety for students. They are requesting functional water points near latrines, secure toilets with locks, an emergency stock of sanitary pads at the infirmary, and materials to make reusable protection. They emphasized that investing in menstrual hygiene is an investment in girls' education and future, asserting their desire to remain in class and succeed. The school's principal, Honorine Ilboudo, confirmed that students leave school due to inadequate facilities and that the school struggles to provide some pads. She also reported six school dropouts in the 2025-2026 academic year due to pregnancies, early marriages, and the influence of certain men in the area on young girls. The SWEDD+ project, involving ministries of health, secondary education, family and solidarity, and sports, youth and employment, is addressing these issues. Sylvie Valian Zoundi, female education advisor at the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, stressed the need to support out-of-school girls and dropouts, alongside in-school actions, by providing training for income-generating activities and daycare centers. Marie Véronique Ilboudo, gender promotion advisor, detailed a holistic approach to gender-based violence, covering health, psychological, legal, judi