Suci Cup, Bobble and more Malaysian brands that are breaking the stigmas and taboos around period care
Discussions of period poverty and the inaccessibility of period products once again take the spotlight this week in light of the news that Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free for all and available at public spaces like community centres, pharmacies and youth clubs across the country. This development follows a bill introduced by Scottish member of parliament Monica Lennon and passed as an act in January 2021.
“Women, girls and people who menstruate should never face the indignity of period poverty. Proud that we are making period dignity for all a reality,” Lennon said in a Twitter post on August 14.
Related: Malaysia is Now a Pioneer for Menopause Management in Southeast Asia
Here in Malaysia, period poverty has also been a topic of concern. In February 2022, the state government of Perak proposed the implementation of sanitary pad vending machines in public spaces, with plans to conduct period poverty studies among orang asli women in B40 communities in the state.
In honour of these positive developments, Tatler takes a closer look at the Malaysian period care brands making an impact in local communities, whether by raising awareness of eco-friendly and cost-effective period care alternatives or donating pads to reduce period poverty at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bobble
Founded by female empowerment advocate, cancer survivor and chief 'estrogen' officer Malisse Tan, Bobble is on a mission to educate more Malaysian women about the benefits of organic cotton-based period products, especially to those with sensitive skin who are prone to harsh reactions from most off-the-shelf products.
At the height of the lockdown in Malaysia, Bobble donated three months’ supply of period pads to women in need. The brand turns two this year and hosted its first ever experiential masterclass in August 2022 called Power to Your Period, which took participants through a multi-sensory journey to understand practical ways to support their overall menstrual wellbeing by connecting better with their five senses.
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Related: How 2 Entrepreneurs Helped Disadvantaged Communities Amidst The Covid-19 Crisis