We dedicated our memorial to all the “Comfort Women” and their unwavering resolve for justice. We pledge to continue our struggle against all forms of sexual violence, and for an end to the sexism, racism, colonialism, militarization, and wars that fuel it. We envision a world free from fear of sexual violence, where all women and girls can live a life with respect and dignity.

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“Comfort Women” is the Japanese Imperial government’s euphemism for the women and children they trafficked as sex slaves between 1932 and 1945, until the end of World War II. Most of the victims were Korean and Chinese, although many others were from the Philippines, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, East Timor, Hong Kong, and Macau. While some were recruited by false advertisements promising work as house maids, factory workers and nurses, the majority were abducted and violently coerced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers at government sponsored “comfort stations” intended to improve army morale, as a strategy of war.

It is estimated that some 400,000 women and children were forced to be sex slaves for Japanese soldiers and officers at these government-sponsored rape camps. The “Comfort Women” were often kept in sub-human conditions and suffered from starvation, physical and psychological abuse, disease, infections, and rampant STDs. Many committed suicide. Monuments for the “Comfort Women” are being built around the world to memorialize these women and their communities and to educate new generations of the dangers of warfare and our global responsibility to protect human rights.

 
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"Comfort Women" Statue Memorial 1-Year Anniversary in San Francisco

Joint Statement by SF “Comfort Women” Justice Coalition and Kansai Network of Osaka

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Joint Statement by SF “Comfort Women” Justice Coalition and Kansai Network of Osaka (October 11, 2018): We, the undersigned people and grassroots organizations in Osaka and San Francisco, jointly pledge,…

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