Some students, lecturers, and university leaders say gender-related courses are transforming students' attitudes and behaviours, creating a visible impact both within academic institutions and in the wider community.

Across Rwanda's universities, gender studies are no longer viewed as peripheral subjects. Increasingly, they help students understand issues of power, responsibility, equality and inclusion, and encourage them to apply these principles in daily life.

Iradukunda Anitha, a third-year student at the University of Rwanda, said she had little understanding of gender concepts before university. "Now I challenge biased comments instead of ignoring them," she said.

Munyengabe James, another UR student, said: "I used to think that gender was about women controlling men. Most of those stereotypes disappeared. I now understand that gender equality and equity are shared responsibilities that benefit everyone."

Reverend Uwimana Jean-Pierre, a lecturer and researcher at UR and Deputy Chairperson of the Rwanda Media Commission, said the key transformation begins with understanding that gender is not the same as sex. "We are witnessing a shift from awareness to action... cases related to gender-based misconduct have significantly reduced," he said.

At the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), Coordinator of Courses and Examinations Gahamanyi Viateur said gender content is integrated across programmes, with the impact visible in how students organise, collaborate and live together respectfully.

Dr. Odette Mpungirehe, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at UR, said the courses promote harmony and mutual respect, and encouraged students to apply the knowledge beyond the university as future leaders and role models.

According to Rwanda's National Gender Policy, developed by MIGEPROF, gender education is a key driver of equitable development and social cohesion, encouraging institutions of higher learning to integrate gender perspectives into their curricula.