17 years of protest, comfort woman demand apology

It has been 17 years since Taiwan's comfort women first took to the streets protesting the inhumane treatment they received during World War II. They demand a formal apology and compensation from the Japanese government for forcing them to work as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers.

When their campaign began in 1992, there were 58 surviving former comfort women, of which 11 were indigenous. But now only 20 are left, and among them only five indigenous women left.

Following 17 years of protests, the Taipei Women Rescue Foundation says the number of surviving indigenous comfort women has dropped from 11 to only five now. Most of them are in their 80s. Some live with their families while others live alone without family care.

These women say they are happy that the Legislative Yuan recently finally passed the “Taiwan Comfort Women Resolution” and is supporting their battle for justice.

“The unfortunate women, including indigenous and non-indigenous, all hope our government would stand up for them. The campaign has been going on for 17 years and the indigenous women had also participated in many international events or conferences to have their voices heard. They say that Japan has played dumb for the past 17 years, ignoring their demand. Now, they hope their own government will fight with them.” Taipei Women Rescue Foundation said.

These Taiwanese indigenous comfort women were mostly victimized in their own communities at young age.

“In those days, we had those Japanese soldiers around, those who were stationed in Taiwan. They were headquartered near local communities and got girls to cook for them and sew their clothes. They also raped these girls. During the day time, the soldiers demanded them to do labor work at the camps, and at night the girls became comfort women.” Taipei Women Rescue Foundation said.

This cruel chapter of history was once buried without people knowing. But in 1992, the victims began to speak out and managed to have this piece of history restored. It was a process full of pain because the victims were harmed once again when their community members gave them discriminating looks after hearing their stories.

“There was a cave that was used as a Japanese ammunition depot. One of the surviving comfort women was assaulted there and she has never dared to pass by that cave again. The memory's too painful.” Taipei Women Rescue Foundation said. “Community members all knew about it but they all pretended that it never took place. This put additional pressure on the victim because she was hurt once again by the disdaining looks from community members.”

It's been 63 years since the Japanese troops left Taiwan, but the Japanese government still refuses to acknowledge this part of history. Lai says the victims are especially infuriated by the indifference and lack of response of the Japanese government.