Silenced Stories: The Tragedy & Resilience of Comfort Women.
- Priyanka A
- Jul 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 17
On the last day of our Team Freedom trip with the International Justice Mission in the Philippines, we attended a tour by Don't Skip Manila. The tour delved into the rich history of the Philippines, but what struck me the most was the story of the comfort women during World War II. "Comfort women" is a term used to describe women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. In the Philippines, many women suffered under this brutal system, often referred to as "Lolas" (a Filipino term for grandmother). Their experiences represent a harrowing chapter in the history of the war, leaving a lasting impact on survivors and their communities.
The Japanese Occupation and the Deception, Abduction, and Brutal Conditions.
From 1942 to 1945, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, thousands of women and girls were violently abducted from their homes, schools, or communities by Japanese soldiers forcibly taken to military brothels known as "comfort stations." These women were often deceived with promises of employment or education, only to be confined and abused by Japanese soldiers. The Japanese military established these brothels throughout occupied territories, including the Philippines, to provide controlled access to sexual services for their soldiers. Confined to small rooms and subjected to relentless schedules, these women were forced to serve multiple soldiers daily, enduring severe physical and emotional trauma. The comfort stations were heavily guarded, with no regard for the women's well-being. Upon hearing this, I immediately drew a parallel to how this constituted trafficking and exploitation, involving elements of force, deception, and coercion.
Daily Horrors and Health Impacts
The primary function of these comfort stations was to provide sexual services to Japanese soldiers, subjecting women to repeated rape and sexual assault. Physical violence, including beatings and torture, was common, especially if they resisted or tried to escape. The overcrowded, unsanitary conditions led to poor hygiene and the spread of diseases, while the lack of medical care meant many suffered from untreated injuries and illnesses. Psychological trauma was profound, with many women experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The End of Occupation and the Struggle for Justice
The Japanese occupation of the Philippines ended in 1945, but the trauma and stigma for the survivors did not. Returning to civilian life was challenging, with many facing severe social stigma due to cultural taboos around sexual violence. This led to isolation and a lack of support, compounding their trauma. Despite these challenges, the 1990s saw a movement for justice, inspired by similar efforts in other countries.
Advocacy and Raising Awareness
Images of the estimated 1,000 Philippine "comfort women" who were enslaved and sexually victimized by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II fill a wall at the offices of Lila Pilipina. The organization of World War II victims of sexual war crimes has helped the "comfort women" in their fight for compensation.
Organizations like Lila Pilipina and the Filipino Comfort Women Organization emerged to support survivors and seek justice. These groups provided platforms for survivors to share their experiences and campaigned for official apologies and compensation from the Japanese government. Legal battles and advocacy efforts have brought international attention to the issue, although achieving formal apologies and compensation remains a complex struggle.
Educational campaigns, media coverage, and academic research have been crucial in raising public awareness. Memorials, documentaries, and publications aim to honor the survivors and ensure their stories are remembered, preventing the erasure of this painful history. I personally contacted Anne from Don't Skip Manila, informing her that The Justice Portal intended to publish an article on this specific topic and story to increase awareness and discuss the origins of trafficking, especially during times of war.
Notable former comfort women
A number of former comfort women had come forward and spoken out about their plight of being a comfort woman:
Dutch East Indies – Jan Ruff O'Herne (1923–2019);[321] Ellen van der Ploeg (1923–2013)[322]
Korea – Gil Won-ok (1928–); Kim Hak-sun (1924–1997);[323] Lee Yong-soo (1928–);[324][325] Song Sin-do (1922–2017);[326] Yoo Hee-nam (1927–2016);[327][328] Kim Bok-dong (1926–2019)[329]
Philippines – Rosa Henson (1927–97); Remedios Felias (1928–);[330] Isabelita Vinuya (1931–2021)[331]
Taiwan – Liu Huang A-tao (1923–2011)[332]
My Personal Take-aways.
Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation During War
The plight of the comfort women is a stark example of human trafficking and sexual exploitation during wartime. These women were forcibly taken, deceived, and subjected to systematic abuse, stripped of their autonomy and dignity. This form of trafficking was a deliberate and strategic effort by the Japanese military back in the day to control and exploit vulnerable populations, reflecting broader patterns of exploitation that continue to this day.
The Legacy of Resilience and Courage
The movement for justice highlights the resilience and courage of the survivors. Despite immense challenges, their efforts have brought important issues to light, advocating for historical recognition and justice. The personal stories of survivors like Rosa Henson, the first Filipina comfort woman to speak publicly about her experiences, continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that future generations remember and learn from this dark chapter in history.
By sharing their stories, these brave women have humanized the issue, garnered public sympathy and support, and pressured governments and institutions to acknowledge and address the injustices they faced. Their legacy is a testament to the strength and determination of those who endured unimaginable horrors, ensuring that the history of comfort women is never forgotten.
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