Introduction

Throughout history, the pursuit of gender equality and justice has been marked by both progress and painful setbacks. One of the most harrowing and frequently silenced chapters in this journey is the story of the “comfort women”—women and girls, primarily from Korea, China, the Philippines, and other Asian countries, who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Their plight stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities of wartime sexual violence and the enduring struggle for women’s rights.

As the world advances in recognizing and addressing gender-based violence and inequality, the legacy of comfort women persists—not just as a record of suffering, but as a powerful call to action for advocates of gender justice everywhere. The Statue of Peace, installed in numerous global locations, serves as a constant visual reminder of the urgent need for remembrance, justice, and continued progress.

In this post, we explore the ongoing journey toward gender justice, connecting the lessons of the comfort women to today’s fight against sexual violence, discrimination, and the global push for true equality. We examine how public memorials, educational initiatives, and collective activism keep the conversation alive, and highlight the challenges that remain on our shared path toward justice.

Main Research

The History and Significance of Comfort Women

During World War II, an estimated 200,000 women and girls were systematically coerced or kidnapped into “comfort stations”—a euphemism for military brothels operated by the Japanese Imperial Army. Survivors endured physical and psychological trauma, stigma, and lifelong silence. For decades after the war, their stories were suppressed or ignored by governments and society alike.

Only in the 1990s did survivors—most notably South Korean women—begin to publicly tell their stories, sparking an international movement for recognition and justice. Their courage helped shatter taboos surrounding wartime sexual violence and highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in armed conflict.

The comfort women issue extends beyond historical grievance; it represents a pivotal moment in the movement for gender justice. It underscores the need for accurate historical acknowledgment, legal accountability, and societal change to prevent future abuses.

The Statue of Peace: A Symbol and a Catalyst

The Statue of Peace—depicting a resolute young girl seated next to an empty chair—has become a resonant symbol of the comfort women’s plight. Beyond remembrance, its presence in public spaces worldwide ignites conversation, education, and advocacy. The statue calls upon viewers not only to mourn the victims but also to make a personal commitment to ending sexual violence and discrimination in all contexts.

Each statue installation is accompanied by educational programs, survivor testimonies, and community events designed to deepen public understanding. The empty chair beside the figure invites victims of violence everywhere to share in the legacy of comfort women and to step forward toward justice.

In countries where the statues reside, they’ve sparked both reflection and controversy—challenging silence, denial, and diplomatic inertia. This ongoing dialogue is itself a form of action, forcing societies to reckon with uncomfortable truths and the ongoing impact of violence against women.

Wartime Sexual Violence: A Global and Ongoing Crisis

The story of the comfort women is, tragically, just one chapter in a broader global narrative. From the systematic rape of women in the Balkans and Rwanda to the ongoing exploitation of women in conflict zones today, wartime sexual violence persists as a weapon of terror and subjugation.

According to the UN Women, sexual violence remains pervasive, underreported, and insufficiently prosecuted. Survivors must grapple with inadequate support systems, stigma, and legal challenges. Historical acknowledgment—such as that sought for comfort women—is critical in shaping international law, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The legacy of wartime sexual violence underscores the importance of education and remembrance. By confronting this painful history, societies are better equipped to identify, prevent, and respond to sexual violence in all its forms, including ongoing military conflicts, refugee crises, and human trafficking networks.

Progress and Persistence: The Modern Movement for Gender Justice

While injustices endure, so does resistance. The past several decades have seen a surge of activism and policy changes inspired in part by the lessons of comfort women and similar survivors. The United Nations, International Criminal Court, and regional governments have recognized sexual violence as a crime against humanity, adopted victims’ support frameworks, and developed educational campaigns that challenge stigma and promote gender equality.

Grassroots organizations around the world draw on the memory of comfort women as both a warning and a source of strength. Through art, memorialization, and advocacy, they reinforce the message that peace, justice, and equality are inseparable. Feminist movements, youth campaigns, and survivor alliances continue to push for reparations, public apologies, and lasting policy reforms.

Education remains a cornerstone of progress. By integrating the stories of comfort women into school curricula, public exhibitions, and digital resources, the hope is to inspire new generations to uphold the rights of all women and girls—transforming remembrance into actionable resistance against oppression.

Conclusion

The journey toward gender justice is far from complete. The memory of the comfort women—honored globally through the Statue of Peace and ongoing advocacy—challenges us to remember, to speak out, and to act. Their stories confront us with the realities of wartime sexual violence and command our commitment to building a world where such abuses are never repeated.

Equality in action demands more than acknowledgment; it calls for continued education, structural reform, survivor support, and unwavering solidarity with victims of violence everywhere. As we reflect on the unfinished journey toward gender justice, let us draw inspiration from the comfort women and all those who fight for dignity, remembrance, and change.

May their legacy guide our efforts in the present, not only as a testament to the past but as a beacon for a more just, compassionate, and equal world.