Voices of Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict

The 6th International Memorial Day for Japanese Military ‘Comfort Women’ invited people across the world who work towards prevention of sexual violence in conflict. Survivors from Uganda, DRC, Kosovo, the Yazidis in Northern Iraq, an activist from the Mukwege Foundation, former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Prof. Rashida Manjoo stayed in Korea throughout the Memorial Day programs.

On August 12th,

Ms. Acan Sylvia Obal, the first one to arrive to Korea, gave the first pitch at the baseball game for Marymond-SK Wyverns Collaboration Day. Although she said she never started off a game before, she gave a great pitch and a message of solidarity for the Memorial Day and for survivors of sexual violence in conflict across the world.

On August 13th,

Everyone had a meeting with Kim Bok-dong and Gil Won-ok halmonis at Peaceful Our Home. Halmoni and everyone’s conversations and discussions on the past experiences and current works to resolve the issue showed that we can all relate to each other, regardless of where and when the painful experiences took place.

On August 14th,

everyone participated in the International Symposium “73 Years of Waiting, Emancipation Finally Comes! - Voices of Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict” and shared that the survivors’ courageous voices and solidarity from the community can change the world.

Ms. Acan Sylvia Obal, the recipient of the 1st Kim Bok-dong Peace Prize received the award and flowers from Kim Bok-dong halmoni.

In the afternoon, everyone attended the Candlelight Festival to enjoy the performances of the students and younger generations to remember the stories of Japanese military sexual slavery victims.

Ms. Tatiana Mukanire from the DRC gave a speech that she is happy to connect with halmonis and will stand in solidarity with all victims of Japanese military sexual slavery and of sexual violence in conflict.

Everyone performed a song “I’m just a little bird”, which was created by the survivors from the Global Survivor Network by the Mukwege Foundation. Through the song, everyone gave the message that they will remember, stand in solidarity, and continue to work for peace.

On August 15th,

Everyone attended the International Solidarity Demonstration/ 1348th Wednesday Demonstration. Ms. Salwa Khalaf Rasho, a Yazidi survivor, gave the speech to thank halmonis and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

On August 16th,

Everyone attended meetings with the Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly of Korea, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Gender Equality and Family to deliver the message that everyone should work together towards resolution of the Japanese military sexual slavery and sexual violence in conflict issues.

During break time, survivors visited the “Truth and Justice : Remembering ‘Comfort Women’” exhibition in Insandong, Seoul and looked around souvenirs from Korea.

On August 17th,

Most guests left Korea. They shared tat it was meaningful to learn about the Japanese military sexual slavery issue, meet with halmonis, and stand in solidarity with people who work to support the survivors of sexual violence in conflict. Everyone shared that they would love to visit Korea again.

August 18th,

The last guest, Ms. Acan Sylvia Obal looked around the Korean Council office and Hongik University station area. She shared that everyone in Golden Women Vision in Uganda, the organization that Ms. Acan Sylvia Obal leads, is waiting for the news from Korea. She also shared that she would like to invite people from the Korean Council as well.