Last June, the twenty-second class of survivors of violence embarked on a journey to mourn the pain they suffered in their communities. They began a journey to rebuild their lives by releasing the chains that have burdened them to the…
Blog: Dispatches from Bukavu and Beyond
Love in the face of what seems impossible, City of Joy Update from V (formerly Eve Ensler)
This week, V visited the City of Joy and attended the graduation of the 21st class. “Everything feels so terrible and difficult right now in so many places in the world where right wing fascism, extreme misogyny, and hate…
JOY! City of Joy Graduates 20th Class
Just yesterday, City of Joy celebrated its 20th graduation! It was joyous. Filled with laughter. Brimming with hope. 1734 survivors graduated to date. They are change makers, turning pain to power. Watch this video from graduation» Congratulations to V-Day Congo…
City of Joy Opening Ceremony 10 Year Anniversary
Ten years ago, hundreds of people – local Congolese, dignitaries, activists and supporters from across the globe – gathered in #Bukavu to celebrate the opening of the #CityOfJoy, a revolutionary leadership center for women survivors of gender violence in the…
JOY! 18th Class Begins at City of Joy in Congo
Welcome to City of Joy! The new class of young women is now arriving in Bukavu at the City of Joy. The City of Joy is a revolutionary leadership center for women survivors of gender violence in the Democratic Republic…
Filmmakers Behind the Documentary ‘Woman’ Create Short About City of Joy to Celebrate Congo’s Independence Day
We are thrilled to share this new short from award-winning filmmakers Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Anastasia Mikova. Created to celebrate the independence day of the DRCongo, they have released a behind-the-scenes film of their shooting in Bukavu at City of Joy…
CITY OF JOY GRADUATES 1472 WOMEN TO DATE
The 17th Women’s Leadership Training Session at the City of Joy is a very special session. It is a session in which residents have not only been transformed by the ingredients of therapy and leadership but have also gained missionary…
City of Joy Statement Against Racism
While thousands across the world condemn racism and demand justice at global Black Lives Matter protests, City of Joy is mourning and rising against racism. The City of Joy community is revolted over the police killing of George Floyd and…
Your Solidarity & Support Make This Movement Possible
Dearest Activists, Friends & Supporters, 2019 was a powerful year in our movement that saw grassroots activists pushing boundaries and engaging in dialogue through an intersectional lens, with art and activism always at the forefront. V-Day, One Billion Rising, and…
JOY! City of Joy Celebrates 16th graduating class!
We did it again!!! End of the 16th graduation, 1343 graduated!!!! THANK YOU EVE ENSLER, THANK YOU V-DAY, supporters and all the ones who always believed in us. Thank you Dr Mukwege for honoring us today. His speech moved us…