On Thursday, December 19, 2024, The City of Joy celebrated the graduation of 82 women and girls in a ceremony attended by political and administrative authorities, civil society activists, the press and partners of the Panzi Foundation. This 26th training session included a remarkable group of young women deeply affected by the ongoing political, security and health crisis that is sweeping through eastern DRC, which disproportionately impacts women and children. These graduates expressed their outrage at the horrors of war ravaging the DRC and criticized the silence of 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 unite in challenging harmful, misogynistic traditions.

Through theatrical performances, the graduates demanded that Congo be reborn. They insisted that men adopt positive masculinity – behaviors and attitudes that reject violence and contribute to breaking Congo’s infernal cycle of conflict.

In her speech, 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. However, she deplored the lack of support from the DRC government for initiatives aimed at helping 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, moved by the transformation of the 82 graduates and inspired by their energy and 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 peace and advocate for 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.

The City of Joy encouraged every woman to break their silence, denounce injustices, create spaces of freedom, love their bodies and protect Mother Nature.

During the ceremony, the graduates showcased their achievements from the training. They demonstrated how the gender rights course would enable them to demand their rights, the civic education training would support them in exercising their civil rights, the reproductive health lessons would help them love and safeguard their bodies, and the self-defense training would equip them to protect themselves and respond effectively in case of aggression.

A special focus was given to the knitting and crocheting program. Over the course of six months, the 82 women created extraordinary handcrafted products, including dresses, parasols, and more. Their creativity inspired many and revealed the potential of crocheting as a sustainable livelihood activity, contributing to the long-term viability of the City of Joy.

With love and gratitude!
VDAY DRC

Photos: Carlos Schuler and Christine Schuler Deschryver