LIBRESSE Malaysia should be praised for celebrating femininity, by educating the public on understanding one’s feminine aspect and attributing it to nature, said Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).
“We also advocate for a better sexual and reproductive health rights education by going beyond the barrier of state sanctioned modesty and decency.
“Human sexuality should be a neutral ground, where it should be allowed to be discussed openly for greater understanding,” its youth leader Ahmad Yasin said in a statement.
Last week, Libresse published an advertisement using the theme “V-Kebaya”, launching a limited-edition line of sanitary pads using packaging that was decorated with floral pictures, inspired by the Nyonya kebaya and vulva.
The new theme was aimed at encouraging women to feel confident about their bodies, including their privates. It was part of their long-running “Know Your V” campaign, aimed at educating women on their genital health.
However, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), a Government-linked body aimed at propagating Islam, criticised the advertisement and accused the company of “exploiting” and “disrespecting” women.
“This advertisement clearly undermines the dignity of women and violated the norms of decency in our Malaysian society.
“Displaying the vulva motif openly on clothing, packages, bags, origami and other items, is not acceptable in our culture nor allowable according to our religious values,” its women council wing chairperson Dr Safinar Salleh was reported saying.
Although Libresse had taken down the advertisement, the public took to social media to laud the company for its campaign and poured scorn on Yadim’s myopic view.
Safinar vs intellectualism
Ahmad, who is also PSM head of gender bureau, accused deep-rooted patriarchy within the society of being the primary cause of undermining sex education among the public.
“We aware that sexual and reproductive health rights issue and education is an on-going effort. Using art is a good way to support such endeavour.
“The Libresse advertisement ‘Know your V’ is an excellent amalgamation of both educational effort as well as a to liberate the feminine selves through art,” he opined.
Pouring scorn on Safinar’s argument, Ahmad said it was a clear display of anti-intellectualism on her part, in which the former had undermined the feminine using such statement.
“And I wonder in what way sex education can be taught, if not through a showcase of the sexuality of humans themselves,” he stated.
On sex education in general, Ahmad said that such pertinent subject had always been sidelined, as much of it was still looked upon using cultural and religious lens.
The PSM leader added that mainstream norms still teach celibacy as part of sex education, which has been proven to be ineffective.
“Because of that, many people still lack knowledge on how to take care of their reproductive organs, often missing out on a diagnosis, unaware of a symptom and ill-equipped to handle sex-related issues,” Ahmad concluded. – Sept 20, 2021
