RECENTLY, religious groups panned feminine hygiene product company Libresse Malaysia over its packaging artwork that has floral batik designs resembling the female genitalia.
When a mere flower motif is enough to cause a major uproar, the motivation and messages behind the outcry show what the Muslim Women’s Council (Maya) under Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia and their supporters think about women.
Are we living in a society intent on defending female dignity and upholding the honour of women, as Maya claims it is advocating for?
Or, do we live in a community that shames women for taking control over their own bodies?
We consistently turn a blind eye to the many Malaysian girls and women who fall victim to sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and child marriage.
Victims who come forward are, at best, ridiculed and dismissed. At worst, their well-being is threatened for speaking up about their suffering, all while being blamed for these issues.
Either way, our society is not kind to women. It is becoming increasingly difficult to envision a day when we get basic education about our anatomy.
Where was Maya’s presence when female students came forward with their accounts of period spot checks being conducted in schools?
Where were the condemnations when a local lactation counsellor revealed the disgusting comments she received on her educational TikTok videos about breastfeeding?
Hanya untuk educate ibu-ibu cara guna pam, saya dikatakan tak malu. Ada juga yang minta nak 'tengok'.
— nadmasrom (@nadmasrom) September 6, 2021
Melucahkan penyusuan is not cool bro. Semua nak dilucahkan. Kesian kat mak korang. Lupa ke kita semua disusukan oleh mak kita dulu? pic.twitter.com/WME0IEUJHR
Make no mistake, the exploitation of women in the media is an issue well worth addressing and fixing. But to point the finger at Libresse’s campaign, which is one of the few available mainstream sources for young girls to know more about their own bodies, does not come close to the struggles faced by women in our society.
Maya’s sudden outrage at Libresse’s campaign reeks of performative activism with a dash of pandering to misogynistic expectations to view female body parts as inherently sexual.
Sanitary pads with vulva floral packaging are really not the issue. The real dishonour to women here is denying them the right to know more about their own bodies.
By pushing for Libresse to withdraw its “Know Your V” campaign, the only thing Maya has accomplished is further silencing women and taking away a safe space for them to get more information.
Those who spoke out in defence of Libresse have used this opportunity to educate the public about taboo topics such as period poverty and the necessity of being familiar with your own body.
Those in support of Maya’s views serve as a reminder that we still live in a conservative society, and that we must work towards eliminating the cultural bindings that hold women back.
Those crying the loudest over being disgusted or ashamed by Libresse’s harmless floral designs are the same ones who remain mute when real injustices happen to women.
In truth, it seems as if we care very little for our women. Perhaps, with the discussions sparked by Maya’s statements, we will all learn to be better. – The Vibes, September 23, 2021
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain is an intern journalist at The Vibes
