Under the weight of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and the horrors of war in Gaza, Sally, a young woman in her twenties, was forced to leave her home and seek shelter in a “school” that serves as a refuge for hundreds of families. The lack of the most basic hygiene standards in shared bathrooms exacerbated many feminine challenges, the most prominent for Sally being the “severe shortage of water and sanitary pads.”
The arrival of her menstrual period became a “nightmare” for Sally, followed by the exhausting thought of finding alternatives to sanitary pads. She resorted to using rudimentary methods like “old cloths and, at times, baby diapers,” though even these were difficult to obtain. The problem did not stop there; she also faced the challenge of finding enough water to maintain personal hygiene during a period that requires frequent washing. To make matters worse, she had to wait her turn in long lines for shared bathrooms, depriving her of comfort and privacy.
As a result, Sally, like many others, decided to take birth control pills to delay her period and alleviate part of the issue, despite the side effects.
Sally’s plight mirrors that of thousands of Gazan women, for whom the arrival of their menstrual periods amid war is a psychological battle and a health crisis with devastating consequences. In Gaza, there are approximately 690,000 women and adolescent girls of menstruating age who suffer from a lack of water and hygiene products during their periods.
How Do Women Face Menstruation Amid Conflict?
In Gaza, women face immense challenges during war that affect their daily lives and health, including managing their menstrual periods. The lack of sanitary pads, water, and hygiene supplies creates a severe humanitarian crisis that demands a comprehensive response based on scientific evidence to address the health and psychological impacts of these dire circumstances.
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Shortage of Sanitary Pads: Health Impacts
The crisis surrounding the shortage of sanitary pads forces women to rely on unsuitable alternatives such as pieces of cloth or toilet paper. Studies show that using such alternatives can increase the risk of vaginal infections, including fungal and bacterial infections. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), these infections can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome—a severe condition caused by bacterial growth in unhygienic environments, resulting in complications like fever, rash, and shock.
Additionally, some women turn to birth control pills to delay their periods without medical supervision, a risky choice that can cause hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and other health complications.
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Water Shortages and Hygiene Challenges: Health Risks
Gaza suffers from an acute water shortage, compounded by water contamination due to the seepage of sewage into wells—currently one of the main water sources. Similarly, seawater has become a primary water source for displaced individuals, particularly those living in camps near the coast, despite its extreme pollution and salinity. Many women and girls are forced to use seawater for washing and genital hygiene, which often leads to vaginal infections.
Maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation is crucial. Scientific research shows that water scarcity increases the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The inability to access sanitary pads, maintain clean underwear, or use detergents—amid Gaza’s water shortages and high costs—leads to bacterial and viral buildup. A study by Columbia University indicates that UTIs are a common complication among women in areas with severe water shortages
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Psychological Impact on Physical Health
Women and girls live in a constant state of fear, depression, and stress due to the ongoing killings, destruction, and displacement. Psychological pressures significantly impact their physical health. According to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatry, stress and anxiety can cause menstrual irregularities, such as excessive bleeding or irregular cycles. Chronic stress also disrupts hormone levels, worsening period-related symptoms like severe pain and mood swings.
These effects are compounded by the lack of sanitary pads and water, further escalating the emotional burden on women and girls.
Managing Menstrual Periods in Gaza: Effective Strategies to Address Challenges
Women in Gaza face severe health challenges due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, particularly concerning menstrual hygiene management. The acute shortage of water, coupled with dire living conditions, makes it difficult for women to maintain hygiene and physical well-being during this critical time. Addressing these challenges requires well-thought-out strategies grounded in scientific evidence. Here are key strategies to improve women’s health conditions in Gaza:
- Ensuring Essential Supplies
Relief efforts must prioritize the availability of sanitary pads and other hygiene necessities based on accurate data about women’s needs. The WHO recommends sustainable support through regular distribution of sanitary products to ensure women’s access and alleviate health risks caused by shortages. - Improving Access to Water
Improving access to clean and sustainable water sources is a fundamental solution to reduce health risks. Providing clean water significantly lowers the chances of vaginal and urinary tract infections. Strengthening water infrastructure and implementing sustainable solutions is essential for improving women’s health, especially during menstruation. - Psychological Support
Psychological pressures play a significant role in overall health. Providing psychosocial support to women amid displacement and bombardment can help them manage stress and anxiety in a healthier way, positively reflecting on their physical health. Research indicates that effective psychological support reduces stress’s negative effects and enhances personal well-being. - Enhancing Healthcare Services
Supporting healthcare facilities to deliver comprehensive care aligned with the latest medical guidelines is crucial. This helps address menstrual health issues and ensures appropriate treatment for women. Improving healthcare quality meets women’s health needs in these catastrophic conditions, empowering them to face health challenges more effectively.
Implementing these strategies is essential. Since the beginning of the war on Gaza, women’s struggles to manage menstruation have only worsened, as searching for alternatives often exposes them to additional health risks. This situation calls for a serious commitment from relief organizations to provide essential hygiene products and support.
The suffering of women and girls in Gaza is not unique; it can extend to all conflict-affected areas worldwide. A coordinated international response is necessary to ensure that women’s needs are met during crises. Providing sanitary pads is not just about health—it is about preserving women’s dignity, a collective responsibility requiring global solidarity and a profound sense of humanitarian accountability.