Burkina Faso bans beauty pageants to focus on science competition for women

Burkina Faso has suspended beauty pageants across the country while introducing a national science competition to identify, encourage and reward talented young women, highlighting the government’s approach to cultural values and female participation in science.

In June 2026, authorities suspended beauty contests pending the introduction of new regulations, citing the need to safeguard the country’s cultural identity, social values and human dignity, according to Afrika World.

Two months later, the Presidency launched HAKILI Mousso, a competition aimed at discovering and supporting young women with outstanding abilities in science.

The contest brought together 84 young women to compete in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Outstanding participants received prizes and scholarships to recognise their achievements and support their academic development.

President Ibrahim Traoré subsequently met with the winners, encouraging them to have confidence in their abilities, pursue careers in science and set ambitious goals for their futures.

The initiative seeks to increase the visibility of young women in scientific fields, where access to education, mentorship and professional support can significantly influence career opportunities.

National recognition of their achievements could also help challenge stereotypes about women’s abilities in science and motivate more girls to pursue subjects such as mathematics, technology and engineering.

However, the competition alone may not be enough to deliver lasting change. Continued investment in girls’ education, quality science instruction, scholarships and career development opportunities will be necessary to enable more young women to translate their potential into long-term success.

As Burkina Faso redefines its approach to cultural expression and women’s participation in science, questions remain about whether initiatives such as HAKILI Mousso can inspire more girls to pursue scientific education and open pathways to higher learning, research and employment.