International Women's Day 2023

LUMIROUS on empowering, uplifting women and girls.

Celebrate women and equity at International Women’s Day 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March 2023 - It all started back in September 2020,  when the founder, Anna Yamauchi, a young Japanese entrepreneur started LUMIROUS with the mission of bridging those who are experiencing infertility and reproductive health issues with doctors and fertility centres. Having experienced miscarriage, Anna Yamauchi understands how difficult it is for women or couples struggling and facing these issues. Hence, specializing in the FemTech industry, LUMIROUS strives to inspire women through website as well as community events. Recently, in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2023 on the 8th of March, LUMIROUS once again, celebrated women’s rights by organizing the International Women’s Day 2023 event!

A golden opportunity for women and girls to learn and understand their bodies and obtain knowledge while having fun on the weekend, this occasion is held for 2 days—18th and 19th March 2023. Over 20 pop-up stores were set up altogether mainly consisting of women-owned brands. A scene full of yellow and pink-themed decorations and flowers symbolizes elegance and friendship created on a very special day of celebrating and cheering for women! Crowds were seen enjoying walking and taking pictures around the cafe while listening to the talk sessions upstairs. Of course, there were freebies to attract Malaysians, like flowers and coffee, to come on a weekend.

Women-owned brands such as Breeze, Lysako, endota and many more have set up booths that sell women’s health products. Women purchasing menstrual cups, breast oils, and high-quality undergarments on that day, have not only gained a dopamine boost, yet a new perception in their world. Apart from that, old unworn underwear was made used by Lysako as they offered free underwear to those who recycled their old underwear. The usual pop-ups would have products that will add to your wardrobes, yet this one adds to your life essentials and changes your perception as well. Not to forget, medical centres like Pusat Pengimejan Diagnostik Nuklear (PPDN) and Sunway Fertility Centre were also offering ultrasound screening for PCOS and consultation for IVF!

Period stigma, gym anxiety, PCOS are discussed in solo and forum sessions. As scandalous as it was, LUMIROUS also brought experts and professionals from PPDN and Sunway Medical Centre to join them in giving legit health consultations. Malaysians will surely love this service as the aunties and sisters are really keen on consulting female doctors. Familiar faces like Elaine Hong and Deena Marzuki, were one of the guests to come in on the first day to discuss period stigmas and wellness to break the old-fashioned taboo. Even DearKyra, a collaborator, was invited to a forum session with Anna Yamauchi on the second day, to talk about women’s health care such as infertility, birth control, STDs and many more. Both founders shared that more awareness is to be made as most Malaysians are still unaware and chose to not accept new ideas regarding women’s health. Indeed, these businesswomen and men are making impacts by fighting for gender equality through what they pursue!

A place brought by LUMIROUS—where girls can comfortably buy sanitary pads over the counter, talk about how uncomfortable bras can be, and how PMS is a challenge on a monthly basis, which is essential for the current generation! Matter of fact, a haven for women and girls! As the last day approached, crews and guests applauded with mixed emotions of pride and ambivalence. Feeling good that they have achieved a specific goal and impact yet sad that the event has to end.  Promoting #SelfLove as the main objective, this rare occasion sure encourages women to focus on themselves more. In hopes of empowering women, let’s all encourage the community to come and celebrate more impactful occasions like what LUMIROUS did because Girls, just wanna have FUNdamental rights!

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