Unicharm Corporation (President and CEO: Mr. Takahisa Takahara) is pleased to announce that, in conjunction with “World Menopause Day” on October 18th and Japan’s awareness week from October 18th to 24th, the company conducted a training session titled “Understanding Women’s Unique Health Issues – Menopause and Beyond” for all employees.

The training featured Ms. Sawa Matsubara, a certified lecturer from the Japan Association for Women’s Health and Menopause, who provided insights into accurate knowledge about menopause, health support tailored to life stages, and the importance of mutual understanding in the workplace.

“World Menopause Day” was established on October 18th each year following the 9th International Menopause Society Congress in 1999, with the aim of globally disseminating accurate information about menopause and health.

Today, countries around the world engage in initiatives to raise awareness and understanding of menopause and women’s health issues. In Japan, the Japan Society for Menopause and Women's Health designates the week of October 18th to 24th as “Menopause Week,” during which various awareness activities are held.

Under our corporate brand essence “Love Your Possibilities,” launched in 2024, Unicharm aims to realize a cohesive society where everyone supports each other by believing in and nurturing each person’s limitless potential with compassion and altruism. As part of this initiative, and in alignment with “World Menopause Day” and “Menopause Week,” we conducted this training to deepen understanding of women’s health issues across life stages and to foster a workplace where everyone can work with peace of mind. The training was held in a hybrid format (in-person and online) to ensure participation by all employees.

Menopause is a significant life stage experienced by many women, with symptoms varying from person to person. Accurate knowledge and mutual understanding are essential. This training emphasized the importance of building a workplace culture where not only women but also their colleagues and supervisors can support each other’s well-being.

Title: “Understanding Women’s Unique Health Issues – Menopause and Beyond”
Date: Friday, October 10, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Unicharm Tokyo Headquarters Conference Room (in-person) + Online
Lecturer: Ms. Sawa Matsubara
(Specialist Lecturer, Japan Association for Women’s Health and Menopause / Women’s Healthcare Specialist Pharmacist, Japan Society for Menopause and Women's Health)

“In an era where diverse people work in diverse ways, it is increasingly important to build organizations that foster mutual understanding. Women’s health issues, including menopause, should not be treated as personal matters but as part of broader health considerations that enable employees to perform at their best. Providing opportunities for employees to learn about these topics not only empowers women to take charge of their health but also encourages workplaces to foster empathy and understanding among all staff.”

• “I was relieved to learn that physical and mental changes are not due to a lack of effort but are influenced by hormones. I realized the importance of creating a workplace where we understand each other’s life stages.” (Female, 20s)
• “I learned the differences between menopause and menstruation symptoms and the importance of consulting a specialist. I want to talk about gynecological care at home too.” (Male, 30s)
• “Because the training was for all employees, it became easier to talk to my supervisor. I now see menopause not as a personal issue but as something we should support each other with as a team.” (Female, 30s)
• “I gained a deeper understanding of how menopause can affect careers and how to manage it. Hearing that menopause has an end gave me courage.” (Female, 40s)
• “As a man, the expert’s talk was very valuable. I realized that I had many misconceptions despite thinking I understood, and I want to keep learning.” (Male, 50s)

We believe that this initiative contributes to the following 17 goals of the “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015:

    3: Good Health and Well-being

    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.