Higher education and academic research know no boundaries. The cross-border exchange of ideas can bring a major impact to the development of science and the strengthening of intercultural relations. This is proven by the success of Dr. Juma D. Imamu, an international student who earned his Doctoral degree on July 28, 2026, at the Doctoral Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran.
Through his dissertation titled “Motherhood and the Cultural Construction of Womanhood: Marginality, Agency, and Subjectivity in Fictions by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi”, Dr. Juma D. Imamu presents a critical reading of cultural constructions of motherhood and womanhood in global literature.
This achievement is not only an academic celebration for FIB Unpad, but also a clear reflection of the university’s contribution to supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Impactful Global Research
The graduation of Dr. Juma D. Imamu reflects the success of educational institutions in providing inclusive, quality, and internationally standardized access to advanced education that supports SDG 4 Quality Education. His dissertation research in the humanities and literature enriches scientific knowledge and expands the critical insight of both students and academics in Indonesia.
The dissertation topic explicitly highlights gender equality. By analyzing marginality, agency, and subjectivity of women in novels by Ugandan author Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, this study offers critical ideas on the importance of dismantling cultural biases against women and motherhood, thereby supporting SDG 5 Gender Equality.
A doctoral program that welcomes and supports international academics fosters open access to scientific knowledge for researchers across the world. This helps bridge the gap in opportunities for high-level research development between developing nations and the global community, as outlined in SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities.
Scientific collaboration between international researchers and educational institutions in Indonesia strengthens cultural and academic partnerships between countries (South-South cooperation). This exchange of perspectives reinforces cross-cultural understanding and global solidarity through education, supporting SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
Inspiring Through the Humanities
Humanities research such as that conducted by Dr. Juma D. Imamu proves that literature serves as a transformative medium to understand social, gender, and cultural realities at a deeper level. Congratulations to Dr. Juma D. Imamu on earning his doctoral degree; may the results of this research continue to inspire and bring meaningful benefits to the wider community on a global scale.