Bowendsom Claudine Valérie Rouamba/Ouédraogo, Maryvonne Charmillot

Being a doctoral student in Burkina Faso: individual challenges, social, political and economic issues

Introduction

Being a doctoral student in burkina faso: individual challenges, social, political and economic issues. Explore the multidimensional challenges faced by women pursuing doctoral studies in Burkina Faso, analyzing individual, social, political, and economic issues and their motivations.

Abstract

Gender disparities are present in all spheres of life. The field of higher education is no exception. In Burkina Faso, the rare presence of women in doctoral programmes is no secret. Despite the absence of legal barriers, women's pursuit of doctoral studies remains fraught with obstacles. This article explores the multidimensional obstacles encountered by women engaged in thesis work in Burkina Faso and analyses their motivations for pursuing a doctoral degree. The research at the source of the data used is qualitative and based on a comprehensive epistemology. It is based on biographical interviews conducted with eight female doctoral students enrolled at the University of Ouagadougou.

Review

This manuscript addresses a highly salient and under-researched topic concerning the experiences of female doctoral students in Burkina Faso. The title accurately reflects the ambitious scope, promising an exploration of individual, social, political, and economic dimensions. The abstract clearly outlines the critical issue of gender disparities in higher education within a specific sub-Saharan African context, highlighting the persistent obstacles women face despite the absence of overt legal barriers. This research is particularly vital as it seeks to illuminate the multidimensional challenges and motivations driving women's pursuit of doctoral studies in a region where such narratives are often scarce, thus filling a significant gap in global higher education literature and gender studies. The proposed methodology, qualitative research based on biographical interviews with eight female doctoral students at the University of Ouagadougou, is well-suited for delving into the complex, lived experiences of the participants. This approach, grounded in a comprehensive epistemology, promises to yield rich, nuanced data essential for understanding the intricate interplay of personal and systemic factors influencing women's academic journeys. While the sample size of eight participants is modest, it is appropriate for the in-depth, exploratory nature of biographical qualitative inquiry, allowing for a deep understanding of individual trajectories and the detailed mapping of the "multidimensional obstacles" and motivations identified. The focus on specific experiences in Burkina Faso adds invaluable contextual specificity. Overall, this article presents a compelling and timely contribution to the fields of higher education, gender studies, and development studies. By shedding light on the unique challenges and resilience of female doctoral students in Burkina Faso, the findings are poised to offer critical insights for policymakers, university administrators, and support organizations seeking to promote gender equity in academia. The research has the potential not only to inform targeted interventions but also to inspire future qualitative and quantitative studies in similar contexts. This promises to be an important piece of scholarship, providing a voice to an often-unseen population and enhancing our understanding of global academic landscapes.

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