Koudougou:Abdoulaye Boumba successfully defended his doctoral thesis on the Catholic Church's contribution to women's emancipation in Burkina Faso's Nakambé region. The defense took place at Norbert-Zongo University, where he was awarded the highest distinction for his work.

According to Agence d'Information du Burkina, Boumba's thesis, titled "Catholic Church and the emancipation of women in the Nakambé region of Burkina Faso, from 1900 to 2025," explores the evolution of women's status and the Church's efforts to promote gender equality. The research addresses the limited focus on the Church's role in women's emancipation compared to its contributions in education and health.

Boumba highlighted that before missionaries' arrival, women were largely excluded from decision-making roles. His research indicates that the introduction of Catholicism brought about significant changes in societal perceptions and women's positions. The study documents the Church's initiatives in providing vocational training and promoting gender equality, urging recognition from both religious and secular researchers.

Professor Salifou Idani, Boumba's thesis director, emphasized the study's contribution to historical science in Burkina Faso, noting the ongoing relevance of women's emancipation. Dr. Maxime Relwindé Compaoré, jury chairman, commended the scientific value of the research while encouraging further exploration of specific aspects.

Boumba expressed hope that his findings would inform public policies aimed at promoting women and supporting young girls in vulnerable situations. The jury included experts from various universities, with Dr. Maxime Relwindé Compaoré, Zara Dao, Drissa Koné, Serge Noël Ouédraogo, and Salifou Idani serving as evaluators.