Unicharm Corporation (Mr. Takahisa Takahara, Representative Director, President & CEO) is pleased to announce that on August 21, 2026, it held an online "Menstrual Hygiene Education Exchange Program" for female students in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. The event was organized in collaboration with "CLAIR." a student volunteer group from Shinagawa Joshigakuin (Ms. Shihoko Urushi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees), and the UN Women Kenya Country Office. This initiative was conducted through SOFY UNICHARM EAST AFRICA LIMITED a local East African subsidiary set to begin operations in September 2026.

Unicharm promotes a society where people can talk openly about menstruation through initiatives such as "Sofy Period Education for Everyone." As part of these efforts, Unicharm signed a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with Shinagawa Joshigakuin in 2025. "CLAIR." is a student-led volunteer group operating under the core philosophy of "Making Period Days Easier to Live." They work to eliminate period taboos and create a society of mutual understanding and respect across genders and generations. Having previously delivered menstrual hygiene education to other schools in Japan, "CLAIR." joined this initiative as a partner for international wellness education support.

In the Kibera district of Nairobi, Kenya, "period poverty"—an issue where many female students miss school during menstruation due to financial constraints, lack of knowledge, and social taboos—remains a challenge. In response, this program was organized in partnership with UN Women Kenya and SOFY UNICHARM EAST AFRICA LIMITED to share accurate menstrual knowledge and foster a society where everyone is respected.

・Event Name   　　    　: Menstrual Health and Dignity: An Exchange to Cross Learn　"Menstrual Hygiene Education Exchange Program"

・Date & Time     　    　:  August 21, 2026, 9:00–10:00 EAT / 15:00–16:00 JST

・Format　　　　　　　  : Hybrid (Online & In-person)

・Location                　 ： Koyaro Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

・Target Audience          : 30 female students in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya

・Collaborative Partners : UN Women Kenya Country Office, Shinagawa Joshigakuin "CLAIR.",

                                           SOFY UNICHARM EAST AFRICA LIMITED, Gender Violence Recovery Centre

・Program Details     　 ：Interactive online lecture on menstrual hygiene education using a quiz format presented by "CLAIR."

　　　　　　　　　　　　  In-person lecture on how to use sanitary products conducted by staff from SOFY UNICHARM EAST AFRICA LIMITED

　　　　　　　　　　　　  Q&A and interactive discussion session

<Female students from Kibera, Kenya>

・"I felt very relieved to learn that students in Japan share the same kinds of worries that we do."

・"During the Q&A session, I was surprised to learn for the first time that it is better to avoid cold food and ingredients that cool the body during menstruation."

・"I was happy to find common ground not only about periods, but also about everyday topics like our favorite music. It made me want to cross borders and learn even more about each other."

<Members of Shinagawa Joshigakuin “CLAIR.”>

・"Learning that some Kenyan students paused their daily household chores to participate in our session deeply inspired us and showed us their incredible eagerness to learn."

・"We were surprised by the cultural and environmental differences, such as hearing that students in Kenya distract themselves during their periods through physical activities like swimming, which is different from how we spend our time in Japan."

<Ms. Mary Njeri, UN Women Kenya Country Office>

・"It was an immensely meaningful opportunity to collaborate across academia and industry to speak so openly about menstruation. Those of you around 15 years old today will continue to experience menstruation for many years to come. Period is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. Please do not bottle up your worries alone—rely on those around you and walk forward brightly and powerfully."

Grounded in its corporate brand essence, "Love Your Possibilities"—which reflects the belief in the unlimited potential inherent in all people—Unicharm will continue to contribute to an inclusive society where women around the world can live authentically as themselves through cross-border and cross-organizational partnerships.

＜Related Information＞

・Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with Shinagawa Joshigakuin

https://www.unicharm.co.jp/en/company/news/2025/1105-02.html

・Establishment of Local Subsidiary "SOFY UNICHARM EAST AFRICA LIMITED"

https://www.unicharm.co.jp/en/company/news/2026/0814-01.html