23 Dec 82 Ambassadors of Peace & Women’s Rights Graduate from City of Joy; Need a Gift? Send a V-Card today
Ambassadors of Peace and Advocates for Women, the Displaced & Exploited: 82 Young Women Graduate from City of Joy
On 19 December, the City of Joy celebrated the graduation of 82 young women, bringing the total number of COJ graduates to 2240. Political and administrative authorities, civil society activists, the press and the Panzi Foundation were in attendance. The graduates – deeply affected by the ongoing political, security and health crisis sweeping across Eastern Congo, expressed their outrage at the horrors of war ravaging the DRC which disproportionately impact women and children and criticized the silence of the Congolese authorities. They believe that true change in Congo can only happen if women are placed at the center of development efforts and if men and women join together and challenge retrograde and misogynistic customs.
Through theatrical performances, the graduates demanded that Congo be reborn and that men adopt positive masculinity behaviors and attitudes that reject violence and contribute to breaking Congo’s infernal cycle of conflict. They presented the impact of their training in gender, civic and reproductive rights and the results of their income generating training in knitting and crocheting through a dynamic exhibition.
In her speech, Christine Schuler Deschryver, the director of the City of Joy, highlighted the organization’s vital work in healing, caring for, and equipping survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. She deplored the lack of support from the DRC government for initiatives to help these women pursue the dreams they envision as part of their healing journey. She demanded that the DRC protect, secure and promote the talents of Congolese women who represent the lifeblood and future of the Congolese nation.
The Minister of Health and Gender, Family and Children having witnessed the transformation of the young women, their energy and their power – pledged that the provincial government of South Kivu would spare no effort in strengthening security measures and promoting zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
The graduates unanimously promised to serve as ambassadors of the City of Joy, as advocates for peace and women’s rights within their families and communities. They expressed their concerns over the massive displacement of people from their villages, where they are thrilled to join and inspire women who continue to endure oppression and exploitation under the yoke of aggressors and looters of mineral resources.
Christine encouraged every woman to “break their silence, denounce injustices, create spaces of freedom, love their bodies and protect Mother Nature.”
With love and gratitude to all of our friends and donors and supporters, to Mama V, and the V-Day team!
City of Joy & V-Day DRC
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Photos: Carlos Schuler
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