THE VAGINA WARRIOR PROGRAM continues to provide a vibrant and comprehensive set of opportunities for transformation and life skills development . From training in health and sexuality , rights awareness , judiciary and community activism to specialized individual and group counseling focused on the connections between women ’ s sexuality and mental health , women are given a foundation from which they can heal themselves . Massage , art , dance , physical education , literacy , nutrition , vocational ( sewing , soap making etc .), computer training and theater programming all serve to help women graduate with solid footing .
The visit of Her Royal Highness , the Countess of Wessex , accompanied by Lord Hamad , the UK Prime Minister ’ s Special Representative for the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict , provided an opportunity for City of Joy to launch an appeal for the restoration of peace in the DRC in general and for the respect of women ’ s dignity and their protection in particular .
This year , staff used The Apology to help women survivors reconcile with their past and move past their trauma . The process includes women imagining words their perpetrators may have spoken in the form of a letter , including the details of their crime . The staff – who have themselves survived various traumas – have also used this process .