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cojfarm-radishAs we write, the next class is getting ready for graduation from City of Joy, the revolutionary leadership center for women survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These ninety graduates will join a growing cohort of incredible women who have survived some of the most horrific violence imaginable and – through their collective healing – are now thriving as leaders in their communities.

To celebrate V-Day Founder’s Eve’s 65th birthday, donate today to support a collective of women who will channel their healing power into planting and cultivating crops.

cojfarm-radishWith your support, in regions throughout Congo, the City of Joy will purchase plots of land for collectives of these new graduates. By working their land these women will increase their financial independence. Projects like this have been very successful. Last year, with your support, graduating women received the gift of a plot of land, which provided them with economic independence and stability.

TURN PAIN TO POWER TO PLANTING by donating today: vday.org/planting

Together we are healing the earth, Turning Pain to Power to Planting – JOIN US!

BACKGROUND ON THE CITY OF JOY

The City of Joy is a transformational leadership community for women survivors of violence, located in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Conceived, owned, and run by local Congolese, the City of Joy has flourished since it first opened its doors in June 2011. It is a place where women heal themselves from their past trauma through therapy and life skills programming while providing them with the essential ingredients needed to move forward in life – love and community.

Serving up to 90 survivors of gender violence aged 18 to 30 at a time, the City of Joy reached a historic milestone last year. With the graduation of the 12th class in December, over 1000 women leaders have graduated from City of Joy and are giving back to their communities!

Your donations in the US are fully tax-deductible. Please be as generous as you can to support this work.

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MORE INFORMATION:

City of Joy: drc.vday.org      
V-Day: vday.org      
One Billion Rising: onebillionrising.org