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

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.