Present
Learn about the continuing legacy and advocacy of the "comfort women" today
Statue of Peace
평화의 소녀상
The Statue of Peace, referred to as Sonyeosang in Korean, is a symbol of the victims of sexual slavery, known euphemistically as "comfort women," by the Japanese military during World War II. The Statue of Peace was first built in Seoul to not only urge recognition and an apology from the Japanese government, but also to honor the victims. It has since inspired other monuments to be built in cities around the world such as in San Fransisco, Berlin, and Glendale. However, both challenges and support have ensued. For example, San Fransisco's Column of Strength faced opposition from Osaka's mayor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, who sent a letter in protest of the controversial monument, threatening to end his city's longstanding relationship with San Francisco. Although the monument still stands, Japan's resistance to these meaningful memorials is a recurring theme.
Wednesday Demonstration
수요시위
The Wednesday Demonstration is a weekly protest taking place in front of the Embassy of Japan in Seoul, at noon, in the presence of surviving "comfort women." The protest is aimed at acquiring justice from the Japanese government regarding the large scale sexual slavery system established under Imperial Japan rule during World War II through the restoration of dignity and human rights of "comfort women." The first demonstration was held on January 8, 1992, for the visit of then Prime Minister of Japan Kiichi Miyazawa. Since then, the "Wednesday Demonstrations have turned into a place for solidarity between citizens and the victims, a living site for history education, a platform for peace and women's human rights, bringing people together in solidarity beyond gender, age, borders, and ideologies," according to the Korean Council.
The Butterfly Fund
나비 자금
The Butterfly Fund supports victims of sexual violence in conflict in Vietnam, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other places, all following halmonis’ messages. The recurring symbol of yellow butterflies represents the hope that all women suffering from sexual violence in armed conflicts, including victims of Japanese military sexual slavery, would be able to spread their wings free from discrimination, repression, and violence. The Fund began in 2012, when halmoni Bok-Dong Kim and Won-Ok Gil made a pledge to donate their entire legal reparations from the Japanese government once they receive them.
