In January 2023, Benediction Mulihavya Kahasa celebrated with her peers the launch of the academic year. Kahasa comes from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. She learned about UCBC through her brother who attends the university and spoke highly of the institution’s values and commitment to excellence. She wanted to study in an environment that encouraged her faith and spiritual journey.
A second-year student studying electromechanical engineering in the UCBC Applied Science faculty, Kahasa describes herself as a “brave and ambitious woman.” “I have a vision to design an automatic hoe-planter since we live in communities that are predominantly agricultural. I think creating this will be a great contribution to my community,” she said.
As a woman, Kahasa is aware of the challenges and underestimation she faces in a field dominated by men and a society that remains steeped in patriarchy. In order to succeed as a student, Kahasa needs to wake up very early and go to bed late every day just to complete all her responsibilities at home and at school. “We do it this way so that we can achieve our goal of contributing something substantial to our society.”
“I would say to all women to be strong and determined despite the difficulties and especially not to be broken by words of discouragement coming from our environment because, through determination and commitment, we can succeed.”
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