Burkina Faso has suspended beauty pageants nationwide and introduced a science competition designed to recognise and encourage young women with strong academic abilities in mathematics, physics and chemistry.
The suspension was announced in June 2026 as authorities reviewed regulations governing beauty contests. The government cited the need to protect the country’s cultural identity, social values and human dignity.
In August, the Presidency launched HAKILI Mousso, a national competition that brought together 84 young women to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and skills.
Participants competed in mathematics, physics and chemistry, with top performers receiving prizes and scholarships to support their educational ambitions.
President Ibrahim Traoré later met the winners and encouraged them to believe in their abilities, pursue careers in science and set ambitious goals for their futures.
The initiative seeks to increase the visibility of women in scientific fields and encourage more girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
By recognising academic achievement on a national platform, the competition also aims to challenge perceptions that scientific disciplines are primarily suited to men.
However, the suspension of beauty pageants does not necessarily mean the contests have been permanently abolished. The government’s move was initially described as temporary, pending the introduction of revised regulations.
