Unicharm Group Announces Global Initiative Coinciding with International Women's Day on 8 March
Tokyo—(ANTARA/Business Wire)— Unicharm Corporation (TOKYO: 8113) is accelerating its business operations to address the global gender gap while promoting sustainable economic growth under its corporate brand essence, ‘Love Your Possibilities.’ In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March, the company is taking more than raising awareness about physiological challenges such as menstruation as ‘structural social challenges’. Unicharm is proud to announce its latest initiative to support women’s education and employment through a range of products and education programmes in Brazil, Indonesia, and Kenya—the markets the company is actively pursuing.
Regional Initiatives by Unicharm Group
- Brazil: Full-Scale Launch of the ‘SOFY’ Brand to Support Increased Female Participation in the Workforce
Unicharm will launch its sanitary pad brand ‘SOFY’ in the Brazilian market, where female workforce participation is rising in step with economic development.
-UniCharm has opened an official TikTok store to convey brand values directly to consumers, to attract trend-aware Brazilian youth.
- Indonesia: Respecting Culture and Removing ‘Discomfort’
Unicharm conducts a range of educational activities that are highly respectful of local culture and customs in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
Ramadan Context: As part of the Ramadan calendar, Unicharm provided ‘First Menstruation Education’ to around 60 female students at a Muslim girls’ secondary school on 4 March 2026.
Background: By respecting religious and cultural contexts while providing accurate information about menstruation, Unicharm aims to create a ‘cohesive society’ in which women can live as they wish in any setting.
- Kenya: Establish a Strategic Hub for East Africa and Invest in the Next Generation
Based on the long-term growth outlook for East Africa, Unicharm plans to establish a new subsidiary, ‘Sofy East Africa Limited,’ in the Republic of Kenya in April 2026.
Social Context and Risk Mitigation: In areas such as Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, period poverty remains a critical issue depriving girls of educational opportunities.
Specific Action: On 25 January 2026, Unicharm also organised a women’s football tournament with more than 150 participants. The event combined sport to boost self-confidence with essential menstruation health education.
Future Prospects
Gender disparities in education and employment opportunities persist in many parts of the world. Unicharm will continue to provide a range of products, services and educational activities to ensure that women can live their lives comfortably and without restrictions, without worrying about menstruation. We remain committed to creating opportunities for women’s education and social participation, which ultimately can raise the social status of women.
Source: Unicharm Corporation