Unicharm Group Discloses Global Initiatives in Conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8 Aiming to realize a society where women worldwide can authentically expand[...]

Unicharm Corporation (President & CEO: Mr. Takahisa Takahara), promotes business activities aimed at realizing a “Cohesive Society” under its corporate brand essence, “Love Your Possibilities”. To contribute to creating a society where women across the globe can live as they wish, we are developing various initiatives through our business operations. In conjunction with "International Women's Day" on March 8, we are pleased to announce the latest progress in our educational and support activities currently being deployed worldwide, along with new business developments.

About “International Women's Day”

“International Women's Day” (IWD) is a global day recognized by the United Nations in 1975 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity (gender justice). Organizations seeking equality for women gather to celebrate women's achievements, with significant activities taking place worldwide.

Initiatives by Unicharm Group in Various Countries and Regions

We aim to balance “relative value” (global growth) with “absolute value” (solving social issues), creating opportunities for women to overcome restrictions related to menstrual education and employment to achieve independence. These initiatives are introduced through four key points: "Education and Employment Support for the Next Generation," "Collaborative Support," "Emotional Empowerment," and "Provision in New Countries".

1. 【Education for Future Generations and Employment Support】 Expanding Women's Possibilities (Republic of Kenya, Indonesia, Taiwan-Greater China)

Supporting the Future of Girls Through Sports and Menstrual Education

Period: January 25, 2026

・In Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, we co-hosted a girls' soccer tournament with over 150 participants in collaboration with a local NGO.

・The event included "menstrual education sessions" and "coloring activities" where participants expressed their future dreams through words and colors. We provided correct knowledge and a space for girls to believe in their possibilities and enhance self-esteem through sports, encouraging them to visualize their future.

・We will also establish "Sofy East Africa Limited" in the Republic of Kenya as a hub for business expansion in the East African region.

・By continuing community-rooted initiatives, we will promote the creation of environments where girls and women can participate in society with confidence.

"First Menstruation Education" Project at Islamic High Schools

Period: March 4, 2026

・We will conduct "First Menstruation Education" for approximately 60 students at an Islamic high school in Karawang Regency, West Java Province.

・The event was timed with Ramadan (fasting), providing an opportunity to learn correct knowledge about menstruation in accordance with local customs.

"Team Girls!" Awareness Program for Schools

Period: Starting May 2025

・We are promoting "Team Girls!" to ensure girls approach puberty with confidence and create an environment where primary and junior high school students understand and respect each other's physiological differences.

・Educational materials co-created with experts were provided to teachers free of charge.

・A total of 11 touring lectures have been conducted, reaching over 20,000 students in total.

2. 【Collaborative Support】 Engaging Customers to Solve Social Issues (South Korea, China)

Continuous Support via the "Share Pad" Campaign

Period: March and June 2025

・We have continuously implemented the customer-participatory "Share Pad" Campaign for over 10 years since 2013.

・In 2025, we donated approximately 140 million KRW worth of sanitary products to over 100 public institutions and welfare facilities nationwide.

Support Project for "Left-behind Girls"*

Period: November 2025

・We continued our support for "Left-behind Girls*" in rural areas whose parents have moved to cities for work.

・In cooperation with reputable foundations and influential celebrities, we donated SOFY sanitary napkins.

・We support to create environments where girls can gain correct knowledge about menstruation and spend their time with peace of mind.

・Through awareness activities utilizing SNS, we are deepening the understanding of social issues among the younger generation.

*Children left in rural homes while parents work in urban areas. Pubescent girls face the challenge of having few adults to consult nearby, making social support a critical issue.

3. 【Emotional Empowerment】 Creating Emotional Value (Vietnam, South Korea)

"RENAISSANCE IN BLOOM" Celebration

Period: From March 8, 2026

・Under the theme "RENAISSANCE IN BLOOM," we will host events such as employee-participation flower arrangement projects to help individuals focus on their inner brilliance and create opportunities to believe in their own possibilities.

"Cheers to Myself" SNS Campaign

Period: March 6 – 16, 2026

・On the official SOFY SNS, we will run a campaign "Cheers to Myself" where participants send positive messages to themselves.

・We aim to create opportunities to enhance self-esteem and foster a culture of self-appreciation.

4. 【Solving Social Issues in New Markets】 Full-scale Entry of SOFY into Brazil

Development of the SOFY Brand and Creation of Purchase Opportunities for the Young Generation

Period: From March 2026

・We will launch the sanitary napkin brand SOFY in Brazil, where female employment is rising alongside economic development and women's social participation is accelerating.

・We will also open an official SOFY TikTok Shop to communicate product value directly and create purchase opportunities for the younger generation to expand their choices.

Future Outlook

Gender disparities in education and employment opportunities still exist in various parts of the world. Unicharm will continue to provide products, services, and conduct awareness activities so that women can live comfortably without being restricted by their periods. We remain committed to improving the social status of women and creating opportunities for their participation in schooling and society.

Contributing to the 17 SDGs Goals through Unicharm Group's Initiatives for International Women's Day

Unicharm believes that these initiatives contribute to the following 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

1. No Poverty 　　　 3. Good Health and Well-being 　　　 4. Quality Education

5. Gender Equality 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

We will continue to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by solving environmental and social issues through our business activities, including the provision of products and services.

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