07/21/2026
Turning pain to power.
On July 7, 86 women survivors of gender-based violence graduated from City of Joy after six months of healing, learning, and leadership training. This graduation marks a milestone—not simply in their own journeys, but in a growing movement of women transforming themselves, their families, and their communities.
Through intensive psychotherapy, practical skills training, political education, self-defense, literacy, conflict resolution, sustainable agriculture, and economic empowerment, these women have reclaimed what violence tried to take from them: their voices, their power, and their futures.
Today, they join 2,407 City of Joy graduates across more than 60 communities throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo—survivors who are returning home as leaders, peacebuilders, and changemakers. City of Joy has always been built on a radical belief: when survivors have the resources to heal, they become the leaders who transform the world.
Congratulations to each graduate. Your courage, resilience, and leadership light the way forward.
Deep gratitude to Christine Schuler Deschryver, the City of Joy team, our partners, and every supporter who makes this work possible. In a time when so many programs are being forced to close, your solidarity ensures that survivors continue to heal, rise, and lead.
From pain to power. From survivors to leaders. From healing to transformation.
•SUPPORT the women of City of Joy: Donate today at cityofjoycongo.org/donate
•SUPPORT the V-World Farm through our Ma Earth campaign at cityofjoycongo.org/maearth
(Ma Earth Donations close tomorrow, July 21! Every gift unlocks additional matching funds for the farm)
📸: Carlos Schuler
