She was the first woman of her country to receive a secondary education, the first to graduate from a university, and the first to hold a government office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving as Minister of Social Affairs from 31 October 1966 to 6 December 1970.

She eventually graduated from Lycée du Sacré Cœur (Sacred Heart High School) in June 1961.

[7] On 31 October 1966, Kanza was appointed Minister of Social Affairs,[8] becoming the first woman in the country to hold government office.

She also advocated for equal education opportunities for both boys and girls, and served as a delegate to the Organisation of African Unity summit in Kinshasa (formerly Léopoldville) in 1967.

[2][7] Kanza married Marcel Lihau, future President of the Supreme Court of Justice, on 26 December 1964, and they had six daughters.