In brief
The passing of Gil Won-ok, a notable survivor of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, highlights the ongoing battle led by activists like Mina Watanabe. Through her role at the Women's Active Museum on War and Peace in Tokyo, Watanabe seeks justice for victims, focusing on historical accountability and women's rights.
Mina Watanabe devotes her life to advocating for the women known as "comfort women," who were subjected to sexual enslavement by the Japanese military during World War II. As a co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo, Watanabe sheds light on the stories of these victims and works tirelessly to seek recognition and reparations from Japan.The recent death of 96-year-old Gil Won-ok, a prominent former comfort woman from South Korea, is a significant loss for the global movement demanding justice. Gil was one of about 240 survivors who bravely shared their experiences of abuse inflicted upon them by the Japanese military. Her passing leaves only a few remaining survivors to continue this vital struggle.Despite being born after the war and having no direct connection to the victims, Watanabe has taken it upon herself to ensure their stories are not forgotten. Her passion for women's rights ignited during her school days and was amplified when survivors began to come forward in the 1990s, an encounter she describes as life-changing.In 2005, Watanabe co-established the Women’s Active Museum with support from international donors, using it as a platform to campaign for the rights and recognition of survivors. However, advocacy for comfort women has not come without challenges. Activists often face criticism and isolation from fellow Japanese citizens who may disagree with their stance.As the fight for justice continues, the efforts of Watanabe and others highlight a crucial chapter in the historical narrative surrounding wartime atrocities and the importance of acknowledging and addressing past wrongs.
