Vaginal health conditions pose a common challenge for many women, often leading to feelings of anxiety, lack of confidence, and discomfort. Due to social stigma, women may hesitate to seek help, resulting in untreated conditions or reliance on potentially unreliable internet sources for information. Bayer Thailand is actively engaged in a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of prioritising vaginal health and to provide valuable knowledge about sexual health. By promoting knowledge and understanding, women can become more aware of various health conditions, access appropriate treatment options, and feel empowered to openly discuss, ask questions, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals for effective care.
Bayer Launches KIKI (Vagina) ACADEMY Campaign
Empowering Thai Women to Properly Care for Their 'KIKI' (Vagina) Health
Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., introduces the KIKI ACADEMY campaign, designed to foster open and normalised conversations about vaginal health within society. Through a variety of online and offline activities, the initiative seeks to empower women to prioritise their vaginal health. The campaign showcases "KIKI ACADEMY", featuring renowned actress and model Ticha Kanticha, who will share valuable insights through her YouTube channel: Ticha Kanticha. The program will consist of 10 episodes, airing from July onwards. Additionally, the campaign will feature special guests, including gynaecologists, celebrities, and influencers, who will provide insights on vaginal health and proper care methods.
To further promote awareness and understanding, the "KIKI Voice – The Art Experience" will take place from July 11, 2024, to August 3, 2024, at the 1559 Space Gallery. This immersive artistic experience will showcase the works of 10 young artists, presenting art that engages audiences with experiences of all five senses: sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of vaginal health. The event aims to break down taboos and encourage open discussions about vaginal health, making it a commonplace topic among Thai women.
Ms. Tippawan Varoonthepruksa, Country Marketing and Operation Head, Consumer Health Division, Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., stated that according to a survey conducted by Nielsen in 2021 with over 400 Thai women, up to 40% of Thai women frequently experience vaginal health problems, including conditions such as vagina yeast infections or Candida, with almost half of those experiencing various symptoms; itching, burning, and discomfort, cottage cheese-like white discharge. They are unaware of the actual disease and not receiving proper treatment. Additionally, nearly 30% suffer from bacterial vaginosis. Currently, many women experience abnormal vaginal discharge and a strong fishy odour. It is concerning that a large number of women are not aware of these diseases, lack knowledge about them, and are unaware of proper treatment methods. Therefore, we are dedicated to advancing women's health through the KIKI ACADEMY campaign.
Ms. Panita Prasarnpanich, Marketing Manager for the product group under the Canesten® trademark, Consumer Health Division, Bayer Thai Co. Ltd., said that the KIKI ACADEMY campaign reflects our dedication to empowering women from diverse backgrounds and age groups to break free from taboos by normalising conversations about vaginal health in Thai society. This goal can be achieved by focusing on three essential areas: Knowledge, through the provision of accurate information; Courage, by encouraging women to openly address their concerns and seek guidance from experts; and Access, by ensuring the availability of products that support vaginal health treatment. We are strong advocates for the proper treatment of women's health issues.
For individuals seeking additional information, detailed insights on bacterial vaginosis can be accessed at http://bit.ly/3xrI5Mv , and products for treating bacterial vaginosis can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3IH2mQs to support vaginal health care.
Ms.Ticha Kanticha Chummak, an actress and model and the owner of the YouTube channel: Ticha Kanticha, stated, "I am excited to be a part of the KIKI ACADEMY campaign, especially the 'KIKI ACADEMY' activity, to encourage women to pay attention to themselves, especially their intimate health. It is common for women to have doubts about this aspect of themselves, but discussions are often shied away from, even family or friends, due to the Thai society's view of this matter as embarrassing and private.”
Ms. Ticha further emphasised the importance of changing the perception around discussing intimate health by encouraging women to speak up and seek advice. Addressing intimate health issues is a true reflection of self-care, self-respect, and self-love.
Mr.Supparat Thepparat, Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy Thailand, shares insights into the development of the KIKI ACADEMY campaign. This initiative is grounded in extensive research on the behaviours of Thai women and the societal dynamics that make discussions about women's intimate areas sensitive. Women still feel hesitant to openly address these issues, whether with family members or in unfamiliar settings. Additionally, comprehensive sex education is lacking in Thai educational environment, further inhibiting the open exchange of knowledge among women and leading to a lack of understanding about their own intimate areas. In response, the KIKI Voice – the Art Experience was conceived to use art as a medium to convey stories and knowledge about "KIKI" (vagina), aiming to alleviate discomfort and enable open dialogue. The ultimate goal is to foster a society where discussions about this topic are normalised, empowering women to care for their "KIKI" (vagina) and achieve well-being through open conversation.
The "KIKI Voice – The Art Experience” will be open for the public from July 11, 2024 to August 3, 2024, 12.00-19.00 featuring the works of 10 young artists. The exhibition is divided into seven zones as detailed below:
- Zone 1: "Voice of KIKI" by artists Rtit Studio & Punpitan presents a large "KIKI" artwork that resembles a mouth, addressing issues often overlooked by most women, and welcoming everyone to the main exhibition.
- Zone 2: "Nature of me" by artist nnene.iie conveys an understanding of the nature and characteristics of women's intimate areas in various forms.
- Zone 3: "Feel me" by artist Supat Laopatalakasem features wall sculptures to help women understand their intimate areas.
- Zone 4: "Be aware when I change" presents artworks by Pavee that convey knowledge about symptoms related to vaginal discharge, not limited to just white discharge, to help women understand the characteristics of different conditions. Additionally, the artwork "Flowers in the mist" conveyed the causes of changes in both internal and external intimate areas.
- Zone 5: "Notice me when I’m not feeling well" by artist Fernapas showcases artworks that communicated how to observe signs and symptoms of abnormal intimate areas. Additionally, the artists Rebellion Lab & Perfume Bar presents artworks that address women's concerns about the scent of intimate areas. Come and try "Madam Madam" seasoning to enhance understanding of the "scent" of "KIKI."
- Zone 6: "Treat me better" by artist POON PUN presents artworks providing accurate knowledge on caring for women's intimate areas, such as cleanliness, comfortable underwear, reducing moisture, and managing problems.
- Zone 7: "Time to say thank you" by artist PRAKOTKARN presents artworks created from products that treat bacterial vaginosis aiming to empower women to speak about intimate health issues and care for "KIKI" properly.
- Sound design and ambient music created by artist siwanut.boon
Ms. Tippawan added that the KIKI ACADEMY campaign will empower women to understand and properly care for their vaginal health, aligning with Bayer's commitment to supporting consumers in their daily health management for a better quality of life."
CH-20240627-08
KIKI Voice - The Art Experience
For more information, please contact:
Naranart Phuangkanok
Head of Communications - Thailand
E-mail : naranart.phuangkanok@bayer.com
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.