Burkina Faso bans beauty pageants, replaces them with science contests

Burkina Faso has suspended beauty pageants nationwide while introducing a science competition designed to identify and support talented young women, marking a shift in the country’s approach to cultural expression and female participation in scientific fields.

Two months later, the Presidency launched HAKILI Mousso, a national competition aimed at recognising young women with outstanding abilities in science and encouraging them to pursue academic and professional opportunities in the field.

Sustained investment in girls’ education, access to quality science teaching, scholarships and career development opportunities will remain important in helping young women translate their abilities into long-term academic and professional success.