Simmons alumna takes remarkable journey to support women
V-Day supporter Deb Wetherby, V-Day Board Member Emily Scott Pottruck '78, V-Day supporter Lisa Schejola Akin at the opening ceremony. Photo courtesy of http://drc.vday.org/
Emily Scott Pottruck '78 had the experience of a lifetime when she traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the opening of The City of Joy -- a community that will support women survivors of sexual and gender violence.
A member of the V-Day board and a Simmons trustee, Emily described her journey as a "contrast in emotions." She says:
These women do not see themselves as victims. They are survivors. They are the epitome of resiliency. Their spirit infuses all of us, and we become one large group with a common purpose.
According to the World Health Organization, sexual and gender violence is one of the greatest threats to women's health in the DRC. These actions are used as tactics of the 13-year ongoing war in that nation, tactics that activist and V-Day Founder Eve Ensler considers "femicide."
For more about Emily's transformative experience in the DRC, and to see photos of some of the remarkable women who support this cause, read Emily's first-person account: Journey to the DRC for the City of Joy Opening.
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