Zalissa Wanga successfully defended her doctoral thesis on October 8, 2026, at the University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Her thesis, titled "Trans-border Trade and Family Life: An Analysis of Conciliation among Women Traders in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)," examined the impact of trans-border trade on the family life of women traders in the capital city. Wanga's research revealed that trans-border trade offers economic opportunities for women, enabling them to increase their income and financial autonomy.
The study highlighted the challenges faced by women traders in balancing their commercial activities with family responsibilities. Wanga found that these women often struggle to reconcile their roles as traders with traditional domestic and family obligations. The research identified the weight of domestic tasks, social perceptions unfavorable to female trans-border trade, and institutional and organizational difficulties as major obstacles. Wanga's work emphasized the need for support from authorities and stakeholders to help these women overcome these challenges.
Wanga's thesis used a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with a sample of women traders. Her research revealed that these women have developed strategies to mitigate the tensions between their commercial and family responsibilities. These strategies include seeking help from domestic workers, mobilizing family support, and leveraging technology to stay connected with loved ones and manage family responsibilities.
The jury, comprising five members present in person and one via videoconference, praised Wanga's thesis for its relevance and methodological rigor. The president of the jury, Professor Alkassoum Maïga, congratulated Wanga on her high-quality work and declared her thesis acceptable. The jury awarded Wanga a doctorate in sociology with a very honorable mention.
Wanga's director, Bowendsom Claudine Valérie Rouamba, expressed her pride in supervising another successful doctoral student. Rouamba praised Wanga's hard work and dedication to her research. Wanga herself expressed relief and satisfaction after completing her three-year research project, thanking her director for her guidance and support.
The successful defense of Wanga's thesis marks a significant milestone in her academic career. Her research contributes to a better understanding of the challenges faced by women traders in Burkina Faso and highlights the need for targeted support to help them balance their commercial and family responsibilities. Wanga's work has implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and anyone interested in promoting women's economic empowerment and social well-being.
The University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo and the academic community in Burkina Faso have recognized Wanga's achievement. Her research serves as a valuable resource for future studies on women's economic activities and their impact on family life in the region. As Wanga embarks on the next stage of her career, her work will undoubtedly inspire further research and contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies to support women traders.
Key points
- Zalissa Wanga earned a doctorate in sociology with honors from the University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- Her thesis examined the impact of trans-border trade on the family life of women traders in Ouagadougou.
- Wanga's research highlighted the challenges faced by women traders in balancing commercial activities with family responsibilities and proposed strategies to mitigate these challenges.
