Myanmar's military junta has expanded its ban on sanitary products, including pads and menstrual cups, in conflict-affected regions. This move is part of a broader strategy to weaponise menstruation against civilians and resistance forces.
The 'Four Cuts' Strategy
The targeting of sanitary pads is an extension of the military's so-called 'Four Cuts' strategy, which aims to sever resistance forces from food, funds, intelligence, and recruits. By restricting access to menstrual hygiene products, the junta seeks to create additional hardships for women and girls, particularly those in areas controlled by opposition groups.
Impact on Women and Girls
Human rights organisations have condemned the ban, highlighting its severe impact on women's health and dignity. Without access to sanitary products, women and girls face increased risks of infection, social isolation, and inability to attend school or work. The ban also forces many to resort to unsafe alternatives, such as rags or leaves, further endangering their health.
International Response
The United Nations and several international NGOs have called on Myanmar's military to immediately reverse the ban. They argue that weaponising menstruation violates international humanitarian law and constitutes a form of gender-based violence. However, the junta has shown no signs of backing down, using the ban as a tool of control in the ongoing civil war.
This expansion of the ban is part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses in Myanmar, where the military has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity since seizing power in 2021. The international community continues to pressure the junta, but meaningful change remains elusive.
