Gaza: Women and girls struggle to manage menstruation in the middle of the crisis

Globally, 1.8 billion menstruation, but for many people, especially in the crisis zone, it is far more than just discomfort.

In Gaza hit by war, around 700,000 women and girls From menstrual age, including thousands who experienced their first period, facing this challenge under the bombing endlessly and in a narrow and unclean condition with a little privacy.

Human rights issues

The sexual health and reproduction agency of the nation -nation, Unfpa, warn That lack of access to menstrual products, clean water, and soap makes it almost impossible for women and girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.

Since March, the Israeli aid blockade has thinned the cleaning supply in Gaza, including sanitary napkins. The authorities temporarily raise the ban on last month and the UN institution can carry limited goods such as flour and drugs.

Since the end of May, assistance is now distributed through a system supported by the United States and Israel, passing the United Nations and other humanitarian institutions, but far from what is needed.

Almost 90 percent From the water infrastructure and sanitation area has been damaged or destroyed, and fuel for water pumping is no longer available.

“I sat in silence crying”

Speaking to Unfpa, a young girl remembers getting menstruation while sheltering in a crowded displacement camp.

“I only have one bearing, so I wrap it in toilet paper to make it last. I can’t wash, and the pain is terrible. I sat quietly crying until the end of the day.”

When nine out of 10 households face extreme lack of water, lack of clean water, soap, and privacy have converted menstruation into a source of anxiety, isolation, and shame. “Sometimes I need more pads and soaps I need,” said Aisha*, an abandoned girl.

Hopeless steps, dangerous consequences

With a less than quarter of more than 10 million pads needed every month available, women and girls are forced to improvise. Many use torn clothes, sponges, or old cloth, often without proper cleaning.

“I tore a one -shirt -the same piece becomes a piece so that my daughter can use it instead of sanitary pads,” said a father of four who was moved from Jabalia.

This emergency solution is not only painful and not dignified, but can also cause infection and long -term reproductive health problems. With the health system on the verge of destruction, thousands of women may not be treated.

The same psychological burden -severe name. “Every time my menstruation comes, I hope I’m not a girl,” said one girl.

Take off dignity

Speaking from the perspective of health care, but also as a woman, a doctor in Gaza depicts caring for women who overcome menstruation, pregnancy, and give birth in terrible conditions.

“This must be a natural experience, not a source of difficulty and pain. I see the strength in the eyes of women, but I also see deep pain and stripping dignity,” he said.

A woman and child walk through Gaza’s debris.

In an emergency, women and girls are the most vulnerable. According to the UN institutionThey face high risk due to the displacement and damage to normal protection structures and support. They also face increased tasks related to maintenance such as providing food and water.

“Food keeps us alive, but pads, soap, and privacy, let’s live with dignity,” said Maysa*, a woman who was displaced in Khan Younis. “When we receive a cleaning kit, it feels like someone finally sees us.”

How is Unfpa responding

As frontline respondents, Unfpa works to ensure menstrual health is integrated in all humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Since October 2023, this agency has provided more than 300,000 women and girls with a two -month supply of disposable menstruation and postpartum kit is distributed to more than 12,000 new mothers.

However, three months became a total aid blockade, the stock was almost exhausted. With a closed border crossing, the cleanliness kit no longer reaches those in need. The new entry from some of the assistance distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation including food support, flour, medicines and nutrients according to media reports.

The United Nations continues to call for urgent support for women and girls trapped in some of the most neglected crises in the world.

*The name has been changed for protection.