Koubra Ali Abdoumi is a science student in her last year at the Bilingual Girls' High School in the Amriguébé district of N'Djamena, capital of Chad. She embodies a new generation of young Chadian women who are keen to study and pursue careers in science and related fields.
For Koubra, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated every year on February 11, is a potent symbol of freedom and emancipation.
"Thanks to science, I aspire to become the best physician possible, caring for everyone with dedication and bringing happiness to my patients" - Koubra Ali Abdoumi, a science student in her final year at Amriguébé Bilingual Girls' High School in N'Djamena, Chad.
"Before now it was impossible for women to study at all, let alone to study science, because of the attitude of society. Today that has changed," she says.
Passionate about science, 18-year-old Koubra wants to pursue higher education in her field.
"My parents have always encouraged and supported me in my study choices. I want to become a doctor, and I have never doubted my ability to succeed in science. I believe that we need more female role models to enable young Chadian women to get involved in these sectors," she stresses.
Koubra symbolises the future of young girls and young women scientists in Chad. The Girls' Education and Women's Literacy Project (PEFAF) aims to multiply learning pathways like hers throughout Chad, so that more girls are enrolled in school, pursue higher education and move into scientific fields, which have traditionally been perceived as male-dominated.
Launched in 2021 with €9.27 million in funding from the African Development Bank, the project aims to promote equality and equity in access to quality education for girls and functional literacy for women to strengthen Chad's human capital.
As well as developing, renovating and equipping school infrastructure for girls, the project also aims to improve the quality of education and training available by addressing gender issues in educational services, strengthening scientific education, modernising curricula on climate change, and diversifying courses of study to better fit the job market. The project also aims to intensify functional literacy among 8000 women in the provinces of N'Djamena, Hadjer-Lamis, Ouaddai and to support the socio-economic integration of at least 5000 neo-literate women.
Initiatives are underway to improve prospects for educationally high-performing girls, particularly in scientific fields, and to make the study of sciences more attractive, helped by the provision of computer kits to high school girls.
"Science has changed my outlook on the future. I want to succeed in the sciences and have an impact on the healthcare sector." - Leila Mahamat-Bahir, a science student in her final year at Amriguébé Bilingual Girls' High School in N'Djamena, Chad.
Science also offers a promising future for Leila Mahamat-Bahir, another pupil at Amriguébé Girls' School. "It helps me to develop my mind and acquire knowledge. I want to succeed in science and make an impact in the health sector," Leila says.
However, she highlights persistent challenges: "Projects like PEFAF help us to study by providing equipment such as computers, but many talented young girls drop out of science because of family problems, early marriages, or because some communities believe that school is not the right place for girls."
In solidarity with Koubra and Leila, their classmate, Awatif Youssouf Idriss, took the opportunity of the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science to make an appeal to young girls in Chad. "I encourage my sisters who are hesitant to follow scientific courses not to be discouraged. They can succeed through work, research and practice," Awatif said.
In a country where the overall illiteracy is estimated at 68% and is as high as 80% among girls and women, the enthusiasm of Koubra, Leila and Awatif augurs for a better future for young Chadian women. Their paths reflect the potential impact of initiatives such as the Girls' Education and Women's Literacy Project, supported by the efforts of government and other development partners, aiming to sustainably transform the educational and scientific landscape in Chad.
For these ambitious and determined young students, pursuing a curriculum in the sciences is a powerful way to secure their future success and contribute to their flourishing within Chadian society. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is commemorated each year on February 11 to promote full and equal female access to and participation in science. Established by the UN in 2015, it aims to break stereotypes and encourage female careers in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) where women remain underrepresented.
