Photo Credit: Paula Allen

As 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.

Tomorrow, 25 May is V-Day Founder’s Eve’s 66th birthday. To celebrate, donate to support a collective of women who will channel their healing power into planting and cultivating crops.

With 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 upcoming graduation on 21 June, 1294 women leaders will 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.

TAKE ACTION:

LEARN more about the City of Joy
WATCH the Documentary Film, SHARE The Trailer
SPREAD THE WORD on Social Media, Download the Screening Guide, Plan a House Party or Screening
DONATE to the City of Joy in DR Congo, Support Women in Congo