In brief
With the passing of survivor Gil Won-ok, advocate Mina Watanabe presses on to seek justice and acknowledgment for the comfort women affected by Japan's wartime sexual slavery practices.
Mina Watanabe, a committed advocate for justice, has tirelessly worked to bring attention to the plight of survivors of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, known as comfort women. Following the recent death of Gil Won-ok, one of the last outspoken Korean survivors, Watanabe’s resolve has only strengthened in the pursuit of accountability from the Japanese government.Watanabe, who was born after the conclusions of World War II, is co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo. Through this platform, she focuses not only on the distressing history of comfort women but also on broader issues concerning sexual violence against women in conflict. Her commitment to women’s rights, ignited during her youth in Tokyo, has evolved significantly since the 1990s when survivors began to share their traumatic experiences publicly.The museum was established in 2005, supported by contributions from both Japanese citizens and international donors. Since then, Watanabe has been engaging in worldwide campaigns advocating for the rights and recognition of those who endured such horrific experiences during the war. Despite facing criticism and isolation within her own country for her activism, she continues to amplify the voices of the remaining survivors, ensuring their stories resonate beyond borders and generations. Watanabe embodies the spirit of resilience as she honors the legacy of those who suffered and fights for justice that remains elusive.
