KUCHING: In an important partnership, Kotex Malaysia announced yesterday that it will join forces with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development to run the ‘KASIH Remaja: Sihat & Selamat’ programme. The aim is to tackle the stigma of menstruation and empower teenage girls across Malaysia.
The three-year initiative aims to provide comprehensive menstrual hygiene and reproductive health education to 600,000 girls aged 13 to 17. The programme aims to break down taboos and promote resilient well-being among young women.
The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) will support the initiative.
“Empowering girls with access to proper menstrual hygiene tools is about more than just sanitation and products. It is a matter of dignity, confidence, and unlocking their full potential,” said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development.
She emphasised the significance of the partnership during the program and ‘Kotex She Can Project’ event. The initiative aligns with the work of her ministry through the ‘KASIH Remaja: Sihat & Selamat’ programme, which includes advocacy against sexual harassment and the promotion of child rights.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a generation of resilient young girls, and we welcome partnerships with the private sector to expand these efforts. This collaboration with Kotex is a crucial step towards creating a generation of girls who are uninhibited by period stigma and ready to lead,” added Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Lim Yu Chien, managing director of Kimberly-Clark Malaysia, expressed Kotex’s belief in the slogan “Period or Not, She Can.” This means that every girl deserves to experience her period confidently.
“To achieve this, girls need knowledge and products to manage their periods. Through the ‘Kotex She Can Project,’ we are not only providing essential resources, education, and products but also encouraging open conversations about menstruation to create a society where period stigma has no place.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development for allowing us to partner with them on this critical cause for the future generation of Malaysia,” said Lim Yu Chien.
The educational material provided will be culturally appropriate and distributed alongside the Kotex Confidence Kit. This menstrual hygiene kit includes Kotex Soft and Smooth sanitary pads, as well as Kotex Daily Fresh unscented panty liners.
By reaching 600,000 girls over the next three years, this partnership aims to empower a generation of informed young women who will challenge societal taboos surrounding periods and contribute to a more inclusive environment.
“We envision a future where period stigma is a forgotten relic of the past. Kotex has a strong legacy in Malaysia, having served Malaysians for 100 years.
“Moreover, our Kotex Soft and Smooth pads are locally manufactured in our factory in Johor, operated entirely by Malaysians. With such deep roots and history in the country, our mission to empower Malaysian women is even more meaningful to us.
“Kotex has a larger role to play beyond merely selling sanitary napkins, and we are committed to delivering positive and lasting impact,” concluded Lim Yu Chien.
