Female workers in a shop in the city of Osaka, Japan, are given a badge during their period. This campaign was created to reduce the taboo surrounding the subject. However, it can count on a lot of criticism.
The badge features a cartoon character Serie-chan, which in Japan symbolizes menstruation. The shop where the female staff are allowed to wear the badge mainly sells menstrual products.
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The store emphasized when presenting the plans that staff are not obliged to wear the badge. Store manager Takahiro Imazu:“In Japan there is a tendency to taboo female sexuality and menstruation. Young people's values are changing in this area, but not all customers will be happy about this.”
It is now clear that not everyone can appreciate the action. After many complaints, the store is considering withdrawing the menstrual badge. Critics say the badges encourage sexual harassment in the workplace. And that problem is getting more and more attention in Japan.
Although the campaign was intended to create sympathy between female employees and customers, the store owners are considering their plans.
Source: rtlnieuws.nl, image: WWD Japan
