Did you know that during World War II, the Japanese government systematically conscripted into “sex servitude” an estimated 300,000 poor and impoverished Taiwanese, Korean and other women through deception, abduction, and violence? If not, you are not alone; the existence of these sex slaves was only uncovered in 1992 when incriminating telegrams were discovered in the files of Japan's Defense Agency. The women involved were apparently too traumatized and shamed to reveal their ordeals themselves. Click here for more information on Comfort Women and the Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation.
Since the discovery of this crime, the Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation (TWRF) has investigated the plight of the comfort women and attempted to obtain reparations for the victims, many of whom have now died. TWRF’s most recent effort was a demonstration in August to demand that the Japanese government apologize and provide compensation to the women and their families. At the demonstration, they presented a large flag composed of artwork by the general public on which people drew/wrote their demands to the Japanese government. In November, TWRF will hold an exhibition to display these flags and others with the aim to collect 814 flags, symbolizing August 14, the International Comfort Women Memorial Day. The organization is still short of their goal by about 500 flags.
If you or your club would like to help encourage justice for these victims of sexual violence in war, all you have to do is email for an electronic version of the flags, print a flag(s), decorate or write a message on it, scan the flag and email it back or mail to Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation,10F, No. 240, Minsheng W. Rd, Taipei 103, Taiwan. Your work will be part of the exhibition and if you include your name (and the name of your club if you choose) you will receive credit for your contribution. If you or your club participates, please let us know at .
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