25 May V’s Birthday Wish: Support Congolese Women, Support the Work of City of Joy
Watch V’s video sharing her birthday wish
Today, 25 May, we celebrate the birthday of V (formerly Eve Ensler), visionary artist, activist, founder of V-Day and One Billion Rising, and co-founder of City of Joy.
V inspires us each and every day to lead with our hearts, trust the power of our imaginations, and dare to believe transformation is possible. She is the thread that ties all of our work together – holding the larger vision, pushing us forward, and fiercely believing that together we can create a world free from violence.
V’s Birthday Wish: Support Congolese Women, Support the Work of City of Joy
Your support for City of Joy in the Democratic Republic of Congo is needed now more than ever as — according to the World Health Organization (WHO) — an Ebola outbreak is suspected to have caused over 170 deaths and more than 750 infections across the country. WHO has expressed deep concern about the scale and speed of the outbreak.
And still, in the face of disease, conflict, and ongoing instability, the work at City of Joy continues. With health protocols in place to protect residents and staff, City of Joy remains a sanctuary of healing, resistance, leadership, and possibility – a place where women survivors reclaim their lives and futures.
At City of Joy, young women survivors of gender violence transform their pain into power. Through a six-month residency rooted in healing, education, art, community, and activism, participants emerge as leaders prepared to bring change to their communities and across Congo. Graduates go on to become journalists, educators, farmers, organizers, entrepreneurs, and advocates – creating tangible change on the ground while building a future shaped by women’s leadership, courage, and vision.
For decades, City of Joy has shown the world what becomes possible when women are given the space, support, and tools to heal and lead.
In honor of V, we invite you to make a donation in support of City of Joy in Congo. Your support will help women survivors of gender-based violence continue turning pain into power – and power into lasting change.
To donate, visit cityofjoycongo.org/donate
With Love & Solidarity,
Susan, Purva, Tony, Monique, Christine, Aja, Leila, Roz, Carl, Aliyah, Kayla & Franziska