21 Jul A milestone for 86 Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in their journey of healing, empowerment, and leadership
All photos by Carlos Schuler
CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF THE GRADUATES!
City of Joy Graduation Marks a milestone for 86 Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in their journey of healing, empowerment, and leadership
On July 7, a momentous graduation ceremony was held to celebrate the healing and empowerment of 86 women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) from various villages of the provinces of North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This graduation marks a significant milestone in their journey of healing, empowerment, and community leadership. These women, who have endured immense trauma, have transformed their pain into power and are now poised to enact change within their communities.
Graduation Highlights
Today’s graduation adds to a growing network of empowerment, with these 86 women joining a group of 2,407 other survivors spread across more than 60 villages in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, and the capital city of Kinshasa. The event was a celebration not only of their healing but also of their resilience and determination to overcome adversity and make impactful contributions to their communities.
Healing Through Psychotherapy
Crucial to their transformation has been the intensive psychotherapy they received, which has allowed these women to heal from their past traumas. This healing process is foundational, enabling them to engage fully in the City of Joy training program that equipped them with new skills and knowledge. The culmination of this healing journey was evident as they shared their personal stories during the graduation ceremony, demonstrating their newfound strength and solidarity.
Comprehensive Training Package
The women participated in a comprehensive training program that covered a wide range of topics essential for fostering sustainable development and community resilience. The curriculum included agriculture and ecology which provided skills in sustainable farming and environmental stewardship, animal husbandry which equipped graduates with practices to raise livestock, enhancing food security, sewing, embroidery and knitting which offered skills for income generation and economic independence, gender rights and civic education which raised awareness of rights and responsibilities, empowering women to advocate for themselves and others, conflict resolution and peacebuilding which equipped the learners with mediation techniques to foster peace in conflict-prone areas, nutrition and comprehensive sexuality education which advanced the learners’ knowledge for better health and wellbeing, self-defense which instilling confidence and skills necessary for personal safety, literacy which provided foundational education for better opportunities and empowerment.
Over the course of six months, the women not only acquired knowledge but demonstrated the ability to apply what they learned, showcasing their commitment to effecting change in their communities.
These graduates have voiced their determination to be change makers, ready to lead their communities towards peace and stability. Their resolve is especially vital in regions where insecurity and conflict persist. By leveraging their newly acquired skills and knowledge, these women aim to create a ripple effect, promoting peace and coexistence in their villages and beyond.
One essential aspect of this journey has been the profound sacrifices made by the residents of the City of Joy, who have willingly accepted confinement since the onset of the Ebola epidemic in North and South Kivu. This selfless decision highlights their commitment to the safe completion of the program, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. Despite being cut off from the outside world, these residents understand the importance of their mission and remain ready to do whatever it takes to ensure the program’s success. Their unwavering support for one another has been vital in fostering a nurturing atmosphere that encourages growth and empowerment.
Since January, these women have been residents of the City of Joy, a symbolic place embodying hope and resilience. Here, they have found a supportive environment that facilitates their journey from trauma to empowerment. As they transition back to their homes, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to uplift those around them.
The graduation of these 86 women survivors of gender-based violence signifies not just individual triumphs over adversity, but also a collective movement towards healing, empowerment, and community transformation. Their stories are a testament to the strength of women and highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems in restoring dignity and agency. As they take on leadership roles within their communities, these graduates stand ready to drive sustainable change, inspire hope, and foster peace across the DRC. Their journey serves as an inspiration for many, proving that from the depths of trauma can arise powerful agents of change.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to V-Day, Mama V, the entire US and DRC teams, and all our partners who continue to believe in our mission and support our initiatives. Their ongoing funding and advocacy have been instrumental in sustaining our programs, especially in a challenging landscape where many NGOs face severe budget cuts and are forced to close their doors. This commitment to the work we do not only empowers the women but also demonstrates the impact of collaboration in bringing about meaningful change in the lives of those affected by GBV.
Christine Schuler Deschryver
V-DAY DRC
Bukavu on July 7, 2026
Take Action:
– LEARN more at cityofjoycongo.org and on Instagram @cityofjoycongo.
– SUPPORT the women of City of Joy: Donate today
– SUPPORT the V-World Farm through our Ma Earth campaign.
Donations close TODAY, July 21! Every gift unlocks additional matching funds for the farm.
All photos by Carlos Schuler