Unicharm Group Discloses Global Initiatives in Conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8

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 Brazil, Indonesia, and Kenya—a market the company is now entering in earnest.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260305954347/en/

Regional Initiatives by Unicharm Group
1. [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.

2. [Indonesia] Respecting Culture and Eliminating "Discomfort"
In Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, Unicharm conducts educational activities that are deeply respectful of local culture and customs.
-Ramadan Connection: On March 4, 2026, as part of a series of events during the fasting month (Ramadan), Unicharm provided "First Menstruation Education" to approximately 60 students at an Islamic high school.
-Background: By respecting religious and cultural contexts while providing accurate knowledge about menstruation, Unicharm aims to realize a "cohesive society" where women can live as they wish in any environment.

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.

Supporting the Future of Girls Through Sports and Menstrual Education in Kenya

First Menstruation Education in Indonesia

Sanitary napkins scheduled for launch in Brazil

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — The Iran women's team sang and saluted as its national anthem played ahead of the Women's Asian Cup contest against Australia on Thursday, a contrast to the silence before its opening game.

The silence during the anthem before Monday's loss to South Korea was variously reported as an act of defiance or a show of mourning. The team didn’t clarify.

But in a news conference on the eve of the game against Australia, Iran striker Sara Didar choked back tears as she shared the concerns of players and management for their families and loved ones amid the war in the Middle East.

The 21-year-old Didar was on the bench when Thursday's match started in pouring rain on the Gold Coast, where Iran is scheduled to play all three of its Group A games.

The Iranian women’s squad arrived in Australia well before the strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran last Saturday.

The change in approach with the anthem between games in Australia seemed to mirror the Iranian men’s team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The men didn’t sing the national anthem before their opening loss against England as turmoil overshadowed the start of their campaign. In their second game against Wales, the men sang along to the anthem and celebrated when they scored.

Iran was competing in that World Cup amid a violent crackdown on a major women’s protest movement that was spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Iran players pose for a team photo ahead of the Women's Asia Cup soccer match between Iran and South Korea on the Gold Coast, Australia, Monday, March 2, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP)/AAP Image via AP)/AAP Image via AP)