Hosts: Fumiko Ishioka (Japan) and Ah-Hyun Angela Lee (Germany)
Stories of sexual violence in the wars are often hidden from public memory in many places. Marginalized, silenced, and shrouded in taboo, these stories remain hidden, leaving behind layers of unresolved pain and unanswered questions. In this interactive workshop, we will journey into the lives of women forced into sexual servitude by the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War. Together, we will delve into their stories, unraveling the complex emotions, and deep societal forces that shaped their experiences. Where do these emotions come from? How are they influenced by power dynamics and societal norms? Going beyond: This workshop is intended to be a space for reflection and dialogue. You will also be encouraged to reflect on untold stories within your own community. Through question-making activities and collaborative discussions, we will explore how we can reconstruct historical narratives to give voice to these silenced women.