The national competition brought together 84 young women in mathematics, physics and chemistry, with cash prizes and scholarships among the awards.
Burkina Faso has introduced Hakili Mousso, a national science competition recognising young women for their academic ability. The initiative follows the country’s suspension of beauty pageants in June 2026.
The presidential programme brought together 84 young women from across the country to compete in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Its name means Female Intelligence, and participants completed their science-track high school examinations in 2026.
Through the contest, the government aims to encourage more young women to pursue scientific and technical careers. It also seeks to challenge stereotypes that have discouraged girls from entering these fields.
Hakili Mousso rewards achievement in three subjects
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony on September 19, 2026, honouring the strongest performers in each subject. The highest chemistry score reached 18.73 out of 20, while the physics winner scored 15 out of 20.
Meanwhile, Adjaratou Bama led the mathematics category with 14.25 out of 20. Each subject winner received two million West African CFA francs, a laptop and a motorcycle.
Other high-performing candidates also received awards, including cash, computers, motorcycles and scholarships. The prizes therefore extended beyond the three first-place winners.
President Ibrahim Traoré subsequently hosted the finalists at Koulouba Palace on September 21. During the meeting, he spoke about the importance of science in national development.
Beauty pageants await a revised format
The science initiative follows a temporary halt to national beauty pageants, rather than an announced permanent ban. The Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism said the suspension would allow a review of competition guidelines.
That review aims to align the contests with national culture, ethical standards and human dignity. Culture Minister Pingdwend Gilbert Ouédraogo said the government intended to relaunch pageants in a revised format.
He said the changes would promote women while incorporating traditional values and cultural heritage. They would also include locally made Faso Dan Fani and koko dunda fabrics.
In the meantime, the science competition offers another platform for recognising young women. It places academic performance and scientific ability at the centre of that recognition.
Officials highlight women’s participation in science
Officials also presented enrolment figures during the awards ceremony, highlighting women’s representation in different courses. Women accounted for 36.7 per cent of enrolment in scientific courses during the 2025–2026 academic year.
By comparison, they represented 59.5 per cent of enrolment in non-scientific courses. The government hopes the initiative will encourage more girls to pursue science, technology and engineering careers.
It also aims to build a larger pool of female researchers and technical professionals.
