Sculpting, the act of “carving” to create a desired form, has evolved beyond a purely functional activity into both an artistic expression of beauty and a powerful medium for preserving messages and symbols that commemorate significant experiences and memories. This is why sculptures are often regarded not only as tools of expression, communication, knowledge, and control but also as time capsules that bridge the past, present, and future. With the ability to encapsulate diverse aspects of society, sculptures can serve as tangible evidence of a nation’s heritage and identity. 

Commemoration, likewise, is a condensed act embodying the will and actions of individuals and communities that have shared a particular experience. It fulfills the desire to honor those who have suffered or fallen victim to unjust, unlawful violence and serves as a means of reflecting on the past while addressing present-day issues. The commemorative process, encompassing social recovery, honoring victims, overcoming injustice and discrimination, and reflecting the legitimate call for condemnation after violent conflict, is connected to concrete efforts toward reconciliation, inclusion, and sustainability across all facets of society. This is why countless nations and communities, both large and small, erect monuments that convey messages more powerfully than words ever could.

The Statue of Peace in Stintino, Italy: Erected at the Edge of Southern Europe

On June 22, 2024, the picturesque coastal town of Stintino on the Italian island of Sardinia, Italy—renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and exclusive luxury retreats frequented by the world’s wealthiest yacht owners—drew global attention for its bold statement on war and women’s rights. The Statue of Peace, commemorating victims of the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” and symbolizing the broader fight against wartime sexual violence, was erected here as a powerful statement of peace. The statue stands on public land near the beach, just 200 meters from Stintino’s town hall, on a site provided by the city. It is the 14th statue of its kind installed outside Korea and the second in Europe, following the one in Berlin’s Bezirk Mitte. How, then, did this monument come to be placed in Stintino, a town on the edge of southern Europe?

Facing straight ahead against the backdrop of the vast blue sea, the Statue of Peace became a reality when Mayor Rita Vallebella, a former human rights lawyer, accepted a proposal from the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan (hereinafter referred to as the Korean Council). Local media reports confirmed this decision:

“The Korean victims of Japanese Military “Comfort Women,” whom we commemorate today, represent all women worldwide, including those in Ukraine, Palestine, and Africa, as well as those suffering from domestic violence”.

In an interview with the local media outlet Today.it,^[1]Mayor Rita Vallebella shared that the Statue of Peace inspired her to speak out against the atrocities inflicted upon women’s bodies and to advocate for peace at the local, national, and international levels, which was warmly embraced by the residents of Stintino.

A closer look at Mayor Vallebella’s background and Stintino’s identity helps explain how the Statue of Peace came to be installed in this coastal town. Elected two years ago, Mayor Vallebella is a lawyer who has committed to women’s rights and violence prevention for a long time, having previously served as an advisor to the European Parliament. Stintino is also one of the Sardinian municipalities that have adopted the Charter of the Girl’s Rights,^[2] which envisions a world where girls and women can have control over their own lives and opportunities. In March 2023, further demonstrating this commitment, the city installed three red benches at Porto Vecchio, one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal areas, to honor all women who have been victims of sexual violence.

According to another local newspaper Unione Sarda, the unveiling ceremony of the Statue of Peace was attended by residents of Stintino, Mayor Vallebella, Lee Na-Young (Chair of the Korean Council), as well as mayors and department heads from neighboring cities. Also present were representatives from local children’s and youth advocacy groups, equality and human rights institutions, the president of the Association for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, and members of the Network of Lawyers for the Protection of Women’s Rights from Sassari, a nearby city in Sardinia. Stintino’s strong engagement and active participation in welcoming the Statue of Peace reflect the city’s deep commitment to justice and humanity, as well as its dedication to raising awareness and finding solutions to end violence against women.

On August 26, 2024, I spoke with Mayor Vallebella by phone. She reaffirmed her genuine concern about violence against women, a problem that has caused immense suffering for countless women, both in the past and present.

“I feel proud to have been chosen as an honorary ambassador for this event, including the unveiling ceremony, at the request of the Korean Council. I believe this recognition reflects my dedication and advocacy for women’s rights. Before long, I expect Stintino will become a platform for international conferences focused on sexual violence.”

The “Marocchinate”: A Tragic Case of Wartime Sexual Violence in Italy

War has exploited women’s bodies as instruments of conflict in many parts of the world. The subjugation of women through sexual violence and the imposition of male military dominance were not exclusive to Japan during wartime; it was a common experience endured by countless women affected by diverse conflicts worldwide. This dark chapter of history is also evident in Italy, where the tragic “Marocchinate” incident during World War II serves as a haunting reminder. In this event, thousands of women in the Ciociaria region of Frosinone, about 90 kilometers from Rome, suffered unimaginable atrocities. Much like the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” issue, it remained buried in silence for a long time.

The tragedy began in May 1944, when French General Alphonse Juin summoned Moroccan troops, known as the Goumiers, under his command to break through the Gustav Line, which divided Italy in two, and liberate Monte Cassino from Nazi occupation.

“Beyond those mountains, beyond the enemies you will defeat tonight, lies a vast land. (...) A land full of women, wine, and houses. (...) If you win, you may take all of it, seize it, destroy it, or carry it away—but only if you deserve it.”^[3]

For the next 50 hours, the Goumiers were granted “complete freedom” to roam the Ciociaria region. Unaware of what was unfolding, residents found themselves in chaos and fear for days. Once again, tragedy was carried out under deceit and broken promises, leaving countless civilians—particularly women—vulnerable to physical and sexual violence inflicted by the troops. Among the numerous testimonies from that time are the haunting memories of children who witnessed their mothers sacrifice themselves to protect their families. Some young girls who survived the “Marocchinate” found the resulting trauma and ensuing social and psychological suffering unbearable, ultimately leading them to leave Italy altogether.

Much like the Japanese Military “Comfort Women,” the Marocchinate victims were subjected to collective discrimination and historical marginalization, which confined them to the lower strata of society. Most of the survivors from that time have now passed away, but in numerous interviews, they recounted the severe isolation, alienation, and discrimination they faced within their own communities.^[4] Despite this, the state maintained an ambiguous stance, ultimately treating the Marocchinate incident as merely another war crime that had already been legally addressed and resolved. As a result, the victims never received proper compensation.

This tragic historical event was also brought to light through the film Two Women (La Ciociara), directed by Vittorio De Sica and based on the novel of the same title written by Alberto Moravia. Sophia Loren’s powerful portrayal in the lead role underscored the message that “In war, there are no true enemies or allies, no victories or defeats—only death and suffering.” Her performance earned her the 1962 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Stintino Mayor Firmly Declines Japan’s Request to Remove the Inscription

Returning to the story of the “Statue of Peace,” local newspapers and media outlets that initially covered the unveiling ceremony soon shifted their focus to the escalating controversy between Korea and Japan. The dispute even drew national coverage in major newspapers such as Il Foglio and La Repubblica. According to Il Foglio, “There were more Asian journalists at the ceremony than Italian ones. Japan has long been sensitive to the installation of this statue in other countries.”^[5] Il Post^[6] provided a more detailed account:

“The unveiling ceremony in Stintino drew the attention of Japan’s ambassador to Italy, Satoshi Suzuki. He met with Mayor Rita Vallebella, requesting that the event be postponed and the monument’s inscription be revised. The plaque includes a statement claiming that Japan has never acknowledged its crimes or compensated the families of women who were raped  a claim the Japanese government disputes as inaccurate.” ^[7]

When asked about this matter, Mayor Vallebella revealed that the Japanese ambassador had requested not just a revision of the inscription, but the complete removal of the plaque. Her response was a resolute refusal.

“I stand with the victims. This includes the hundreds of thousands of Korean and Chinese women who were forced into sexual servitude for Japanese soldiers during Japan’s colonial rule and World War II. I reject any attempt by either Korea or Japan to politicize this decision. I have reiterated to the Japanese ambassador that the installation of the Statue of Peace is not about opposing or taking sides but about remembering historically proven incidents of violence against women in times of conflict.”

Mayor Vallebella stated that she was open to verifying and correcting any inaccuracies in the plaque upon if necessary. However, despite directly reaching out to Korean authorities for an official response, she has yet to receive a reply. She added that the statue and inscription would remain unchanged until all matters were fully clarified. She also disclosed that since the statue’s installation, she had received numerous fake emails containing threats and insults—possibly from Japanese far-right supporters, though this has not been confirmed. At the same time, she observed that Asian tourists visiting Stintino had been leaving bouquets and letters at the statue.
Mayor Vallebella noted that the Japanese government had been exerting continuous diplomatic pressure on Germany since the installation of the Statue of Peace in Berlin in September 2020, prior to its installation in Italy. She was also aware of the recent controversy surrounding the statue’s retention in Berlin and the resulting difficulties faced by Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner. She declared that she would not allow protests similar to those in Germany to occur in Italy. What is certain is that the statue installed in Stintino has sparked an international debate on the “Comfort Women” issue, drawing attention from those committed to uncovering the truth.

The Future Stintino’s Statue of Peace Gazes Upon

Meanwhile, it is symbolic that the Statue of Peace now stands in Germany and Italy—the two European nations that, along with Japan, signed the Tripartite Pact on September 27, 1940. This pact formalized their military alliance, and the three signatories later became known as the “Axis powers.” Under the agreement, Japan “recognized the leadership of Germany and Italy in establishing a new order in Europe.”

Was this merely a coincidence, or perhaps a form of “subconscious responsibility,” given Italy’s fascist past and Germany’s Nazi history? The issue of “Comfort Women”—a system of sexual slavery imposed by the Japanese military during World War II—has been confirmed by scholars, researchers, and documented investigations, particularly in the period from the 1930s to 1945. This issue affected not only Korea but also other Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Moreover, women from Western nations such as the Netherlands, who were present in the region at the time, also suffered under this system.

With the installation of the Statue of Peace in Stintino, the history and issue of Japanese Military “Comfort Women” are gaining increasing international attention. Now, the relevant parties must work toward a final resolution through international bodies such as the United Nations (UN). Above all, it is essential to restore the dignity of the victims. This may begin with replacing the term “Comfort Women” with a more accurate terminology, as continuing to use this term only perpetuates the stigma that these women have endured for decades. Instead, why not refer to them as “war victims” or “forced detainees,” recognizing their suffering on equal terms with all those who have suffered violence, exploitation, and abuse? The direction in which the Statue of Peace in Stintino gazes serves as a powerful symbol of this needed shift in perspective.