Transformative Programming
City of Joy: A Sanctuary for Healing, Empowerment, and Leadership in the Heart of the DRC
City of Joy is a transformational leadership community for women survivors of violence, located in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Conceived, owned, and run by local Congolese, it has flourished since opening its doors in June 2011, healing women from past trauma through therapy and life skills programming while providing them with the essential ingredients needed to move forward in life—love, dignity, and community.
City of Joy stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating the power of holistic healing and leadership development in transforming the lives of women survivors and their communities. City of Joy is not just a program—it’s a movement. A movement built on hope, resilience, and the unshakable belief in the power of women to transform their communities and the world.
Over 2,240 graduates
Over 2,240 women have completed the program, emerging as empowered leaders in their communities.
A center for Holistic Healing
Participants report significant improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and resilience.
Community Transformation
Graduates have launched community projects, started businesses, and become advocates for justice and equality.
Key Objectives
Healing and Empowerment
Provide a safe space for survivors to heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
Leadership Development
Equip women with skills and confidence to become leaders and catalysts for change in their communities.
Advocacy
Amplify the voices of survivors to combat gender-based violence and promote women’s rights.
Meet the People behind City of Joy
Dr. Denis Mukwege
Christine Schuler Deschryver
Co-founder and Director of City of Joy, a fearless Congolese activist, and passionate advocate for women’s rights.
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Playwright, author of The Vagina Monologues, and founder of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
Women cannot heal outside community, for as long as the community remains ill or sexist or violent women will remain oppressed and unseen.
Christine Schuler Deschryver
Program activities
City of Joy serves 90 survivors of gender violence aged 18 to 30 in each six-month program. Since its inception, it has graduated over 2,240 women leaders who have reintegrated into their communities as advocates, leaders, and agents of change.
Therapeutic support, including comprehensive trauma counseling and psychological care to support emotional recovery.
Educational workshops and training in literacy, human rights, and civic education to empower women with knowledge.
Vocational training and skills development in areas like agriculture, sewing, and entrepreneurship to promote economic independence.
Community building through fostering a supportive network where women share experiences, build solidarity, and strengthen one another.
Sustainable farming on the V-Day Farm, providing survivors with hands-on training in organic farming, animal husbandry, and crop production.
Listen to the talk
Christine Schuler Deschryver’s TED Talk
In her powerful TED Talk, Christine shares the transformative impact of City of Joy and the resilience of Congolese women in the face of unimaginable trauma.
Watch the story
Netflix Documentary on City of Joy
The inspiring story of City of Joy is captured in the acclaimed Netflix documentary, offering an intimate look at the courage and healing journey of its participants.
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