“Students are getting lost in fashion trends, neglecting respect for the dress code,” says Tatianah Mbayo, a student at ISP. Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is witnessing a true generational battle when it comes to fashion choices in academic settings.
In the past, higher institutions and universities enforced strict dress code rules. However, these norms seem to have evolved over time, leaving young students puzzled about how to conform to fashion while respecting decency expectations.
Girls, in particular, face this dilemma. “In the past, it was unthinkable for a woman to leave her house wearing an outfit that went beyond the knees, even to go to the market,” says Patrick Fundi, a resident of Barumbu. Going to university was considered an opportunity to demonstrate greater responsibility in dress choices. Unfortunately, nowadays, some female students get carried away by fashion trends, abandoning the notion of decency.
It is not uncommon to see young girls parading inappropriately dressed in university hallways, bordering on extravagance and even violating their institution’s internal regulations. This situation raises concerns about the impact of this dress freedom on the culture and values passed down by previous generations.
The dress code, once considered a way to teach students about decency, is also a means of preserving and perpetuating the culture of predecessors. Therefore, it is essential for an institution that claims to be educational for this code to be rigorously respected and enforced by students.
However, it is worth noting that the question of dress code in academic environments is complex. On one hand, young students seek to express their individuality and follow the latest fashion trends. On the other hand, it is important to respect cultural values and decency expectations.
It is necessary to establish a constructive dialogue among students, teachers, and school administrators to find a balance between self-expression and adherence to standards. Awareness campaigns on the importance of dress code and its connection to cultural preservation could also be considered.
The issue of young people’s dress choices in academic environments in Kinshasa raises questions about respecting decency standards and preserving culture. It is essential to find a balance between individual freedom of expression and respect for values passed down by previous generations. Only through collaboration among the various stakeholders can this dilemma be resolved and a harmonious academic environment be created.
Feret Lumbu Gedeon from Kinshasa.
