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Three years after the launch of the training program in gender and development, the Gender School of the University of Goma (UNIGOM) gathered its graduates on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for an evaluation meeting to assess the impact of this academic initiative.

Organized in a hybrid format, this event brought together former beneficiaries both in person, at the Lac Campus in Goma, and online from several cities, including Butembo, Bunia, Kananga, and Bukavu. It began with the national anthem, followed by the introduction of participants, before moving to a central moment: the sharing of experiences by the graduates.

The testimonies collected highlighted the significant impacts of this training, both professionally and personally and socially.

From Bukavu, Dr. Alfred emphasized the direct impact of the training on his professional journey, stating that his skills in gender are now a determining asset in his applications.

"Wherever I apply, this training makes a difference. It has given me added value in the job market,” he indicated.

On a personal level, he mentioned a transformation in his perceptions, having overcome certain complexes to build a fulfilling family life.

For his part, Mr. Cosmas Mugongo highlighted a notable change in his language and practices, indicating that as a pastor, he is now particularly attentive to issues of representation and inclusion in his activities. Engaged in civil society organizations, he ensures to systematically integrate the gender dimension into his interventions. He recommended better recognition of the graduates of the Gender School.

In Bunia, Ms. Bénite, a media professional, testified to the evolution of her journalistic practices, emphasizing her ability to integrate gender issues into the coverage of information, particularly through a more inclusive choice of words and angles. Mr. Sorgho Kambale noted that this training now gives him increased credibility in his interactions with national and international organizations.

Among the notable testimonies, Ms. Zawadi Bisomeko, from the second cohort of the short-term training and Executive Secretary of the organization "SAFDFE", highlighted the operational impact of this training in her daily engagement: "This training allowed me to move from an antagonistic approach to a more inclusive approach, integrating women's leadership and positive masculinity in the fight against GBV,” she explained.

She also praised the opportunities offered by the School, particularly its involvement in certain consultancies with partners.

Speaking during this meeting, Professor Jules Katsurana, founding Director of the Gender School, revisited the genesis of this initiative. He explained that the creation of the School is based on research conducted between 2018 and 2021, which highlighted the need to develop a local paradigm adapted to the realities of the Congolese context: "It was essential to contextualize gender approaches in order to build responses rooted in our local realities,” he emphasized.

He also reminded that this initiative was made possible thanks to the commitment of the University of Goma and the Gender Division.

Beyond its anchoring in Goma, the program is now experiencing notable expansion in several cities across the country, including Bukavu, Beni, Kananga, Butembo, Mbuji-Mayi, and Tshikapa, which demonstrates its relevance and growing impact.

Presenting the School's program, Ms. Christelle Soki specified that the short-term training lasts four months and is conducted in a hybrid mode, combining in-person and online teaching, with the intervention of practitioners specialized in the field of gender. She also highlighted the existence of comprehensive academic programs, including Bachelor's and Master's degrees, offering in-depth training perspectives for learners.

Through this activity, the University of Goma confirms the lasting impact of its training programs and its commitment to promoting a more equitable, inclusive, and gender-conscious society.