Local activists have pointed out that Myanmar’s military government is expanding its ban on sanitary pads and other feminine hygiene products. The military claims that resistance fighters use these materials to treat injured soldiers.
The UK “Guardian” reported on the 20th that since the military launched a coup in 2021 overturning the democratic government and cracking down violently on dissidents, the Southeast Asian nation has been mired in civil war for three years. Gunfire, burning towns, and arbitrary arrests have become commonplace.
Shun Lei Yi, director of the women’s rights organization supporting female fighters “Sisters2Sisters,” said the military claims the People’s Defense Forces use sanitary products for medical purposes, or place them on feet and in boots to absorb sweat and blood.
Although the military government has not officially announced the ban, outsiders believe it is part of a “four cuts” strategy aimed at cutting off basic supplies to insurgents. This blockade action started in August last year in specific areas controlled by opposition forces. For example, sanitary pads are completely prohibited on bridges connecting Sagaing Region and Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Shun Lei Yi pointed out that this ban further expanded this year, and because discussing menstruation is taboo in the local society, the extent of its impact may be more widespread than outsiders imagine.
Pon, founder of the medical charity “Skills for Humanity” (SFH), refuted the military’s claim. She stated that anyone with battlefield medical experience knows sanitary pads simply cannot be used to treat gunshot wounds, nor are they suitable for ordinary lacerations. She criticized: “Sanitary pads can’t be fixed in place, cannot absorb enough blood, and can’t keep wounds clean. This ban is entirely the work of the uneducated, extremely misogynistic fools inside the military.”
Forced to Use Rags, Leaves, or Newspapers as Substitutes
Sa Lar K, who founded the menstrual education organization “Pan Ka Lay” in Myanmar, noted that under the ban, women are forced to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or newspapers, exposing them to an extremely high risk of illness. She warned: “This can cause urinary tract infections (UTI), reproductive tract infections, and bring about significant discomfort and pain.”
Shun Lei Yi pointed out that another option is to turn to the black market, but the price of a pack of sanitary pads has soared from the original 3,000 kyat (about 5.65 ringgit) to 9,000 kyat. In comparison, Myanmar’s daily minimum wage is only 7,800 kyat (about 14.7 ringgit).
With Myanmar’s healthcare system already collapsed, it is difficult for women to access proper medical care. Sisters2Sisters often receives requests from the public for antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. Shun Lei Yi said women feel discomfort and pain, sometimes even choosing to stay indoors during their periods rather than participate in “political activities.”
“Gender-Based Violence”
Sa Lar K believes this is likely precisely the intention of the military government: “The military wants to further restrict women’s movements... This is essentially a form of gender-based violence.”
Pon also agrees that this is a military strategy targeting female fighters, controlling civilians, and persecuting refugee camp victims. Since 2021, more than 3.5 million people have been forced to seek shelter in temporary camps.
Currently, local organizations are working to distribute reusable cloth sanitary pads. However, Pon pointed out that in the absence of clean water for washing, even cloth pads may pose health risks, so disposable sanitary products are still the preferred choice. In addition, alternative hygiene products like menstrual cups and tampons are extremely rare in Myanmar. Sa Lar K explained that this is related to local cultural taboos; women trying to learn about this information are looked down upon, the entire menstrual process is considered shameful, and women are encouraged to hide any traces related to menstruation.
Shun Lei Yi stated that local groups have reported Myanmar’s situation to the United Nations, and strongly condemned the ban on such basic living supplies as “a violation of human rights.” (News source: Liberty Times)