Myanmar’s military regime has widened restrictions on the distribution of sanitary products in conflict-hit regions, claiming that such items are being diverted for use by resistance fighters as makeshift medical supplies. The move, reported by activists and aid groups, has triggered sharp criticism, with women’s rights organisations calling it a form of gender-based violence amid an already deepening humanitarian crisis.
The country has remained engulfed in civil war since the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government, leading to widespread violence, displacement and a collapse of public services. Against this backdrop, the military is believed to have intensified a long-standing counterinsurgency approach known as the “four cuts” strategy, aimed at cutting off food, funds, intelligence and supplies to opposition forces. The sanitary product restrictions are widely seen as part of this broader effort.
According to activists working on the ground, authorities have blocked the transportation of sanitary pads into areas controlled by resistance groups, including key routes connecting regions such as Sagaing and Mandalay. While there has been no formal public notification from the junta, aid organisations say the restrictions have been enforced through confiscations and informal orders.
The military’s justification hinges on claims that menstrual products are being used by members of the People’s Defence Force to treat wounds or support soldiers in the field. However, medical experts and humanitarian workers have strongly disputed this rationale, stating that sanitary pads are not suitable for treating serious injuries such as gunshot wounds or deep cuts, as they cannot effectively control bleeding or maintain hygiene.
The impact of the ban has been severe, particularly for women and girls in conflict zones. With access to basic menstrual hygiene products curtailed, many have been forced to resort to unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves or even paper. Health experts warn that such practices significantly increase the risk of infections, including urinary and reproductive tract infections, and can lead to prolonged discomfort and medical complications.
The restrictions have also had economic repercussions. Reports indicate that the price of sanitary pads has surged in underground markets, tripling in some areas and exceeding the country’s daily minimum wage. For many families already struggling with inflation and displacement, such costs make these essential items unaffordable.
Activists argue that the consequences extend beyond health, affecting women’s mobility and participation in public life. In several cases, women have reportedly chosen to stay indoors during menstruation due to a lack of proper supplies, limiting their involvement in community activities and even resistance efforts. Some campaigners believe this outcome may be intentional, describing the policy as a tactic to further restrict women’s roles in the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian organisations have raised concerns with international bodies, including the United Nations, describing the ban as a violation of basic human rights. With Myanmar’s healthcare system already in disarray and millions displaced since the coup, aid workers warn that such restrictions are exacerbating an already dire situation for vulnerable populations.
Despite efforts by local groups to distribute alternative solutions such as reusable pads, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities has made even these options difficult to sustain safely. As the conflict continues, rights groups say the expanded ban underscores the disproportionate burden being placed on women in Myanmar’s war-torn regions, deepening both humanitarian and gender inequalities.
