Burkina Faso has taken a new approach to celebrating young women, shifting attention towards science and academic achievement.
The country has suspended beauty pageants while introducing a competition that rewards young women for their scientific skills.
The initiative, known as HAKILI Mousso, offers more than trophies to outstanding participants.
Winners receive cash prizes, laptops, motorcycles and educational support.
Meanwhile, In June 2026, Burkina Faso’s government temporarily suspended beauty competitions.
Officials said new rules were being developed to reflect the country’s cultural values and standards of human dignity.
Two months later, President Ibrahim Traoré’s administration announced HAKILI Mousso.
The national competition was designed to recognise young women with strong skills in science.
By September, 84 finalists from different parts of the country had gathered in Ouagadougou.
They competed in mathematics, physics and chemistry to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.
At an awards ceremony on September 19, the top performers received major rewards for their achievements.
Each of the three first-place winners received two million CFA francs, a laptop and a motorcycle.
The prizes were intended to recognise excellence and encourage more young women to pursue science.
The rewards extended beyond the top three winners. All 84 finalists were promised educational support, including university scholarships and assistance with accommodation, meals and healthcare.
The programme aims to encourage girls to study subjects often seen as areas dominated by boys. These include mathematics, physics and other science-related fields.
By investing in young women’s education, Burkina Faso hopes to support future careers in science and challenge traditional ideas about girls’ abilities.
The suspension of beauty pageants and launch of HAKILI Mousso have prompted different reactions.
Supporters see the science competition as a chance to celebrate intelligence, skills and academic success.
Others argue that promoting education should not mean restricting women who want to participate in beauty contests.
They believe women should have the freedom to choose how they express themselves and pursue their ambitions.
Although HAKILI Mousso has not officially replaced beauty pageants, it has placed women’s scientific achievements in the spotlight.
