In a bid to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders in science and technology, a group of young Burkinabé women visited the data center of Telecel, a Burkinabé-owned mobile phone operator, on September 18, 2026. The visit was part of the "HAKILI Mousso" national competition aimed at detecting and nurturing scientific talents among young girls. The delegation, led by Dr. Floriane OUÉDRAOGO/ZONGO, Minister-Counselor to the President of Burkina Faso, responsible for Technological Development, was warmly received by Telecel staff.
During the visit, the young women had the opportunity to explore the data center's various facilities, including the supervision room, core network, and transmission tower. Female team leaders at each facility provided detailed explanations of the different services and operations, followed by inspiring testimonials from female staff members working at the center. The visit aimed to provide the young women with a deeper understanding of the telecommunications sector and to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, and mobile telephony.
According to Dr. OUÉDRAOGO/ZONGO, the visit was designed to bring young girls closer to their female predecessors who have chosen scientific fields, allowing them to benefit from their expertise and experience. By doing so, the government hopes to encourage more young women to pursue careers in technology and science. The visit is part of a broader effort to promote female participation in the STEM fields and to address the underrepresentation of women in these sectors.
One of the visitors, Maïssa Clara Pegdwendé SAWADOGO, expressed her satisfaction with the visit, highlighting the importance of witnessing Burkina Faso's advancements in telecommunications firsthand. She emphasized that the interactions with female cadres at the data center had been particularly inspiring, demonstrating that women can excel in technological careers. SAWADOGO added that the experience had boosted her confidence and motivation to pursue a career in the sector.
Jouomso Emma Valérie TRAORÉ, Head of MIS (Management of Information System) at Telecel, shared her own career journey with the visitors, praising their determination to explore technology-related fields. TRAORÉ encouraged the young women to persevere in their passion for science and technology, emphasizing that their participation was crucial to the development of the sector. Her testimony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of female role models in inspiring future generations.
The "HAKILI Mousso" competition, which translates to "intelligent woman," aims to identify and support talented young girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By providing opportunities for them to engage with experienced professionals and learn from their experiences, the competition seeks to bridge the gap between girls and women in STEM fields. The visit to Telecel's data center was an integral part of this effort, offering a unique chance for the young women to explore the telecommunications sector.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with the young women expressing their gratitude to Telecel and the government for the opportunity. As they continue to pursue their interests in science and technology, they will undoubtedly draw on the inspiration and guidance provided by their female predecessors. The government's initiative to promote female participation in STEM fields is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's technological development and the empowerment of its female population.
Key points
- The visit was part of the "HAKILI Mousso" national competition aimed at detecting and nurturing scientific talents among young girls.
- The young women visited Telecel's data center to learn from experienced female professionals in the telecommunications industry.
- The initiative aims to promote female participation in STEM fields and address the underrepresentation of women in these sectors.
