Myanmar military regime widens sanitary towel ban, claiming rebels use them for first aid
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Myanmar's military regime has expanded its ban on distributing menstrual products, claiming they are being repurposed to support wounded resistance fighters, according to local activists.
- The ban, part of a broader "four cuts" strategy to deprive insurgents of supplies, began in August and prohibits transporting pads in key opposition-controlled areas, severely limiting access for women.
- Experts and activists argue that sanitary pads are not effective for treating wounds and that the ban forces women to use unsafe alternatives, increasing risks of infections and health complications.
- The price of menstrual products has tripled on the black market, making them unaffordable for many given Myanmar's low minimum wage and collapsed healthcare system, further restricting women's mobility and participation in political activities.
- Human rights groups have condemned the ban as a form of gender-based violence and a human rights violation, urging international attention and support for affected women.
