Empowering Women to Live Authentic Lives Through Next-Generation Education and Employment Support Worldwide
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 5, 2026--
Unicharm Corporation (TOKYO: 8113) is accelerating its business operations to bridge the global gender gap while fostering sustainable economic growth under its corporate brand essence, "Love Your Possibilities." In conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8, the company is moving beyond simple awareness-raising to address physiological constraints, such as menstruation, as "structural social challenges." Unicharm is proud to announce its latest initiatives to support women’s education and employment through the provision of products and educational programs in China, Brazil, and Kenya—a market the company is now entering in earnest.
Regional Initiatives by Unicharm Group
1. [China] Addressing the Isolation of "Left-behind Girls" and Building Social Partnerships
Unicharm is strengthening its support through public-private partnerships to address the serious social challenge of "left-behind girls" (children who remain in rural areas while their parents migrate to cities for work), a phenomenon arising from China's rapid urbanization.
-Focus on Structural Challenges: To mitigate the environmental risk where adolescent girls lack immediate mentors or confidants, Unicharm supports a safe and comfortable environment by donating ‘SOFY’ sanitary napkins and providing accurate menstrual health knowledge.
-Leveraging Trust and Influence: In collaboration with highly reputable social foundations and influential personalities, Unicharm is launching large-scale awareness campaigns via social media. These efforts aim to build brand trust among the next generation and deepen public understanding of these critical social issues.
2. [Brazil] Full-Scale Launch of ‘SOFY’ to Support Increasing Female Workforce Participation
Unicharm will launch its sanitary napkin brand ‘SOFY’ in the Brazilian market, where female employment rates are rising rapidly alongside economic development.
-Uniqueness and Market Adaptation: To reach Brazil's trend-conscious youth, Unicharm has opened an official TikTok Shop to communicate its brand value directly to consumers.
3. [Kenya] Establishing a Strategic Hub for East Africa and Investing in the Next Generation
Based on a long-term growth scenario for the East African region, 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 that deprives girls of educational opportunities.
-Specific Action: On January 25, 2026, Unicharm co-hosted a girls' soccer tournament with over 150 participants. The event combined sports to boost self-esteem with essential menstrual health education.
Future Outlook
Gender disparities in education and employment opportunities persist in many parts of the world. Unicharm will continue to provide products, services, and educational activities to ensure that women can lead their lives without discomfort or limitations caused by menstruation. We remain committed to creating opportunities for women’s education and social participation, ultimately leading to the improvement of women's social status.
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[For inquiries]
Unicharm Corporation, Global Marketing Communication Division,
Love Your Possibilities PR Department
Email: brand-pr@unicharm.com
Source: Unicharm Corporation
