Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- Burkina Faso has suspended all beauty pageants nationwide and launched a science competition for young women, shifting its focus towards encouraging female participation in mathematics, technology, and engineering.

The military-led government announced the suspension in June, citing the need to protect the country's "cultural identity, social values and human dignity", Afrika Nation reported.

Authorities are also drafting new rules to ensure beauty competitions align with the country's cultural values and traditions.

In August, the government introduced HAKILI Mousso, a national science competition in which 84 young women competed in mathematics, physics and chemistry.

Outstanding participants received prizes and sch...