Gaza Women Use Clothing and Tents to Mitigate the Monthly Challenges of Menstruation

Gaza City – The ongoing conflict in Gaza has created a multifaceted humanitarian crisis, extending beyond immediate dangers to encompass fundamental aspects of daily life. A particularly acute, yet frequently enough overlooked, result of the protracted unrest is the escalating crisis surrounding menstrual hygiene, leaving hundreds of thousands of women and girls facing impossible choices.

The Rising Cost of Dignity

Umm al-Abd, a resident of Gaza City and mother of four daughters, recently described a shocking increase in the price of sanitary pads, jumping from roughly $5 to $19 USD per pack. This price surge,coupled with widespread economic hardship,has rendered essential menstrual products inaccessible for many families. The situation has forced women to seek alternative, and often hazardous, solutions.

“How can we afford this?” Umm al-Abd lamented,echoing the despair felt by countless families across the Gaza Strip. The desperate search for affordable alternatives has led to increasingly unsafe practices,jeopardizing the health and dignity of women and girls.

Improvised solutions and Health Risks

Many women are now turning to rudimentary substitutes, such as scraps of fabric salvaged from rubble or old clothing. These “al-Sharait,” as thay are locally known, are used as makeshift pads, raising serious concerns about infection and hygiene. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),approximately 700,000 women and girls in Gaza are currently facing this crisis.

The availability of sanitary products is estimated to cover less than 25% of the monthly needs of women in Gaza, compounded by a severe lack of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. This scarcity pushes women to resort to alternatives that pose substantial risks, including urological infections and skin irritations.

Umm Osama, a resident of Khan Yunis, recounts initially using children’s diapers as a temporary solution, but even those became unaffordable, reaching a price of approximately $150 USD per pack, forcing her to revert to using cut-up clothing. The desperation is palpable; however, even access to old clothes is diminishing as homes are destroyed and families are displaced.

The UN Population Fund has warned that the lack of proper menstrual hygiene management can lead to long-term health complications and psychological distress, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

A Father’s Sacrifice

The burden extends beyond the women themselves. Abu Ahmed, a father of seven daughters, shared the heartbreaking reality of prioritizing his daughters’ menstrual needs over basic necessities like food. He described the agonizing decision to donate his own underwear to provide some measure of comfort and hygiene for his family.

“I spend more on women’s supplies than on food and drink,” he admitted, highlighting the unbearable economic strain placed on families. The situation underscores the psychological toll the crisis is taking on both women and thier families.

Metric	Pre-Conflict (Estimate)	Current Situation (September 2025)
Average Cost of Sanitary Pads (per pack)	$5 USD	$19 USD
Sanitary Product Availability	Sufficient	Covers <25% of Monthly Needs
Women/Girls Affected	N/A	Approximately 700,000

Did You Know? Period poverty-the lack of access to menstrual products-is a global issue,but it is acutely exacerbated in conflict zones like Gaza,where existing vulnerabilities are compounded by displacement,economic collapse,and restricted humanitarian access.

Pro Tip: For those seeking to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, donations to organizations like the UNFPA and ActionAid can provide vital assistance, including menstrual hygiene products and healthcare services.

Understanding Period Poverty

Period poverty is not limited to Gaza; it is a global issue that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. Factors contributing to this include economic inequality, lack of access to education, and social stigma surrounding menstruation. the consequences of period poverty can be far-reaching, impacting education, health, and overall well-being.

Organizations like Days for Girls and PERIOD are working to address period poverty through advocacy, education, and the provision of sustainable menstrual solutions. Raising awareness and supporting these initiatives is crucial to ensuring that all women and girls have access to the dignity and health they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Crisis & Menstrual Hygiene

• What is period poverty? Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, waste management facilities, and/or washing facilities.
• How does conflict exacerbate period poverty? Conflict disrupts supply chains, destroys infrastructure, and diverts resources, leading to shortages and unaffordability of menstrual products.
• What are the health risks associated with using unsafe alternatives? Using unsanitary materials can lead to bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, and skin irritations.
• What is the role of international organizations? Organizations like the UNFPA are working to provide menstrual hygiene kits, healthcare services, and advocate for the needs of women and girls in crisis situations.
• How can I help? You can donate to organizations working on the ground, raise awareness about the issue, and advocate for policies that address period poverty.
• What long-term effects can this have on women and girls? Beyond physical health risks,this crisis can lead to psychological distress,social isolation,and missed educational or economic opportunities.
• Is there a long-term solution to this situation in Gaza? A sustainable solution requires a lasting ceasefire, economic recovery, and a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability.

What are your thoughts on the international community’s response to this crisis? do you believe enough is being done to address the specific needs of women and girls in Gaza?

Share your comments below and help us raise awareness about this critical issue.

What are the potential long-term reproductive health consequences for women and girls in Gaza who are forced to use unhygienic materials like clothing and tent fabric for menstrual management?

The Scarcity of Menstrual Products in Gaza

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has created severe shortages of essential supplies, including menstrual hygiene products. This lack of access disproportionately affects women and girls, forcing them to resort to innovative, yet often unhygienic, methods to manage their periods. The situation is compounded by limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare – all crucial for menstrual health management. Terms like period poverty and menstrual equity take on a stark reality within the context of the Gaza Strip.

Improvised Solutions: Clothing as a Substitute

Faced wiht a critical lack of sanitary pads,tampons,and even disposable underwear,women in Gaza are increasingly relying on repurposed clothing.

Old Clothing Scraps: Worn-out garments, especially cotton fabrics, are cut into makeshift pads and used as absorbent materials. these are often secured with safety pins or tied around underwear.

Layering Fabrics: Multiple layers of clothing are worn for increased absorption, tho this can be uncomfortable and impractical, especially in the hot climate.

Washing and Reusing: Due to the scarcity of alternatives, these cloth substitutes are often washed and reused, presenting important hygiene challenges without adequate access to clean water and soap. This practice increases the risk of reproductive health infections.

Tents and Shelter Materials: An Unexpected Resource

The widespread displacement in Gaza, resulting in many families living in tents or makeshift shelters, has led to another unexpected adaptation.

Tent Fabric as Absorbent Material: The fabric used in tents, often made of durable and absorbent materials, is sometimes cut and used as a substitute for sanitary products.

Insulation Materials: Some women are utilizing the insulating materials found within tents, though this poses health risks due to potential chemical treatments and lack of sterility.

Privacy Concerns: Even within tents, maintaining privacy during menstruation is a significant challenge, impacting dignity and psychological well-being. The lack of dedicated menstrual hygiene spaces exacerbates this issue.

Health Risks and Complications

The use of inadequate menstrual hygiene materials carries substantial health risks:

Increased Risk of Infections: Non-sterile materials and infrequent changing increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Skin Irritation and Rashes: Harsh fabrics and improper washing can cause skin irritation, chafing, and rashes.

Reproductive Health Issues: Prolonged use of unhygienic materials can contribute to more serious reproductive health problems.

Psychological Impact: The stress and shame associated with managing menstruation without proper resources can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Menstrual stigma is amplified in crisis situations.

The Role of Humanitarian Aid & NGOs

Several organizations are working to address the menstrual hygiene crisis in Gaza:

Distribution of Hygiene Kits: NGOs like UNFPA (united Nations Population Fund) and local organizations are distributing dignity kits containing sanitary pads, soap, underwear, and other essential hygiene items.

Awareness Campaigns: Educational programs are being implemented to promote menstrual hygiene management and dispel harmful myths and taboos.

Advocacy for Increased Funding: Advocacy efforts are focused on securing increased funding for menstrual health supplies and services within humanitarian aid responses.

Sustainable Solutions: Exploring the feasibility of providing reusable menstrual products,such as menstrual cups and cloth pads,as a more sustainable long-term solution.

Addressing the Underlying Issues: Water, Sanitation & infrastructure

Providing menstrual products is only a partial solution. Addressing the root causes of the crisis requires:

Restoring Access to Clean Water: Essential for washing and maintaining hygiene.

Improving sanitation Facilities: Safe and private toilets and washing facilities are crucial.

Rebuilding Healthcare Infrastructure: Access to healthcare services for reproductive health issues is vital.

Ending the Blockade: The ongoing blockade of Gaza severely restricts the entry of essential supplies, including menstrual hygiene products.

First-Hand Accounts (Verified Reports)

Reports from medical professionals working in Gaza indicate a significant increase in cases of genital infections directly linked to poor menstrual hygiene practices. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has documented the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing basic hygiene supplies and healthcare. These accounts highlight the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the ongoing crisis.