City of Joy

by Belinda Munoz on February 4, 2011

_R6H7432

These women have seen hell. Violated in unimaginable ways, stripped of their dignity, left to die. Somehow, they escaped death. Battered and broken though they are, the will to live courses through their veins. Now, they can begin to heal in a safe zone. With a little luck, they will turn their pain to power.

+++++++
This is a true story about the women of the DRC. A safe haven called City of Joy holds its opening celebration this weekend in Bukavu. To watch a video of these beautiful women in action, click here.
+++++++

linking up with The G-Man for Friday Flash 55.  Tell a story in 55 words or click around and read some more.

+++++++

Image by babasteve

{ 1 trackback }

Tweets that mention City of Joy — the halfway point -- Topsy.com
February 4, 2011 at 9:27 am

{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }

1 MorningAJ February 4, 2011 at 3:09 am

That is a wonderful new start for them. Good luck to everyone involved in the project

Reply

2 brian February 4, 2011 at 3:59 am

nice. i hope they do turn pain to power…that is redmption and it will bring hope to many others….

Reply

3 magiceye February 4, 2011 at 4:35 am

hope they do..

Reply

4 Rudri February 4, 2011 at 7:49 am

Raising awareness about this subject is what we need Belinda. You know that this particular subject is something I care about too. Thanks friend.

Reply

5 Talon February 4, 2011 at 8:31 am

How incredible and inspiring they are. Thank you for sharing this.

Reply

6 G-Man February 4, 2011 at 8:44 am

Belinda….
That one guy is wearing a Packer T-Shirt!!!
The people of Wisconsin must be very giving!
Loved your 55 My Friend.
Touching story…thanks
Thanks for playing today, and have a Kick Ass Week-End…G

Reply

7 Belinda February 4, 2011 at 8:53 am

Ha ha! I didn’t notice that. Must be a covert campaign for worldwide support. Have a great weekend to you, our dear host.

Reply

8 Eric 'Bubba' Alder February 4, 2011 at 9:15 am

There’s nobody stronger on the planet. Great 55!

Reply

9 Raven February 4, 2011 at 9:41 am

My hope is with them to. Touching and educating 55

Reply

10 ayala February 4, 2011 at 9:57 am

Belinda,today you continue to inspire, thank you.

Reply

11 Sara Healy February 4, 2011 at 10:13 am

Belinda,

I thought was a great 55!!! I liked that you told a true story and one that is pretty amazing. Not only because of what these women have endured and how they’ve come out of it, but how in so few words you’ve conveyed exactly what you said, the human “will to live.”

Well done, my friend:~)

Reply

12 Alice Audrey February 4, 2011 at 10:55 am

Looks like they are already well on their way.

Reply

13 Monkey Man February 4, 2011 at 11:16 am

Great story to tell.

Reply

14 Mama Zen February 4, 2011 at 12:43 pm

What a powerful 55!

Reply

15 Lauren February 5, 2011 at 6:05 pm

Dear Belinda,

It is truly remarkable the devastation women in the Congo experience when they’re raped and then undergo a second horror when their families abandon THEM because of it. It’s heartening to see this project.

Recently I saw the amazing and touching play “Ruined” about this very topic.

Friends of mine in San Diego have formed a nonprofit called Feeding The Soul and raise lots of money for causes. One of their main causes is ending “sexual slavery”. They now have a safe house for women who have been sold into sexual slavery.

This is a pressing issue in our world. The Congolese women need our help.

Thank you so much for being one of the caring people, Belinda. You’re wonderful.

Love,
Lauren

Reply

16 Melissa@one thing February 5, 2011 at 10:54 pm

GREAT…I am super passionate about this too! Thanks for spreading the word!!!
Melissa

Reply

17 Arvind Devalia | Make It Happen February 6, 2011 at 6:46 am

What a wonderful story, Belinda.

It’s always inspiring to see the endurance of the human spirit – it invariably comes through with dignity and love.

Reminds me of the film “City of Joy” with the same name. Today, we need more such inspiring stories- all it takes is one person to show us the way.

PS Belinda – my comment above has exactly 55 words:-)

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post: Purpose in the Fog, Certainty in Doubt

Next post: 127 Hours