In this year’s conclusion to the 2nd Roderick Hall Memorial Lectures, Katherine G. Lacson delves into the narratives of Filipino comfort women. Often seen as a polarizing figure, the stories of Filipino comfort women have long been silenced by history.

This lecture explores how these narratives have evolved over time. Witness the journey of these women from their girlhoods to the dark days of the Japanese occupation until the present. By examining various archival documents, historical accounts, biographies, and other sources, this talk uncovers the multilayered experiences of Filipino comfort women and their continuing impact on contemporary life.

By breaking the silence surrounding these stories, this lecture aims to honor the courage and resilience of these women. What was once viewed as something shameful is now an avenue for empowerment and advocacy.

The Roderick Hall Memorial Lectures are an annual lecture series to commemorate the longtime patron of Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL), Mr. Roderick Hall. Mr. Hall built The Roderick Hall Collection over the course of his lifetime. Each talk in the lecture series promotes a uniquely Filipino experience of World War II and the war’s continuing legacy. This year’s lectures are made possible through the generous support of Ms. Consuelo Hall McHugh and family.

Katherine G. Lacson
Speaker

Katherine G. Lacson is an Assistant Professor of the History Department at the Ateneo de Manila University. She took her PhD at the University of Cote d’Azur in Nice, France. Her main research interests are Philippine history, women’s studies, visual history, and business history. She was also involved in the production and research of various award-winning documentary projects on Philippine History.