The City of Joy was created in Bukavu, DRC in 2011 by Christine Schuler Deschryver, Eve Ensler (now known as V) and Dr Denis Mukwege (Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2018). It was clear to these founders that raped women, used as weapons of war all over the DRC, in addition to their physical trauma treatments also needed psychological help to recover from their ordeals. In the City of Joy survivors receive therapy, an emotional healing program, education and leadership training to help them return to their communities as leaders, not as victims.
As you enter the gates of the City of Joy you read a banner that proclaims, “One billion women raped on the planet is an atrocity” and in the office lobby, “10 ways to change suffering into power”.
14 years later violent rape has increased as armed forces seek to control the mineral wealth of the region. The world looks the other way.
Inside the City of Joy
The Netflix documentary
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The Ted Talk of Christine Schuler Deschryver
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Entrance of the City of Joy
“10 ways to change suffering into power”
Garden of the City of Joy
Maman Bachu
“Never cry for losing the sun, the tears will prevent you from seeing the stars”
