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In the face of natural disasters, the global community often rallies to provide immediate relief—such as food distribution, debris clearing and shelter building—addressing the visible devastation left in their wake. However, the more insidious, less visible crises—such as the disproportionate impact these disasters have on women, particularly regarding care work and menstrual inequity—often go unnoticed. In Southeast Asia, where natural disasters such as typhoons in the Philippines and floods in Bangladesh are recurrent, understanding and addressing this inequity is crucial to promoting gender equality and resilience.
Disasters exacerbate existing societal inequalities and menstrual inequity (or the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education and suitable sanitation facilities) is a prime example. While these issues may not be exclusive to disaster-affected areas, in such zones these challenges are undoubtedly magnified, affecting women’s health, dignity and participation in community life.
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to typhoons, with around 20 striking the country annually. The devastation they bring not only displaces families but also disrupts access to essential services. For women, this often means a lack of access to sanitary products and facilities.
The aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 highlighted these challenges, as many women were left without clean water or proper sanitation facilities. With infrastructure compromised, women resorted to using improvised materials such as old clothes as menstrual items, increasing their risk of infections. The situation was compounded by the lack of privacy in evacuation centres, where women struggled to manage their menstruation discreetly.
Similarly, Bangladesh faces frequent flooding, which isolates communities and disrupts supply chains. During the 2020 monsoon floods, many women reported having to use the same piece of cloth for days due to the scarcity of menstrual products. The crowded and unsanitary conditions in temporary shelters heightened the risk of infections and waterborne diseases.
Menstrual inequity in disaster zones has far-reaching implications. It affects women’s health, educational opportunities, and economic participation. In many cases, girls miss school due to a lack of menstrual products or inadequate sanitation, potentially leading to permanent dropout and limiting their future prospects. The stigma surrounding menstruation further exacerbates these issues, leading to social exclusion and isolation. Addressing menstrual inequity is therefore not only a matter of health but also a critical step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women.
Inclusive Disaster Planning:
Women must be integral to disaster planning and response efforts. This includes providing access to menstrual hygiene products and ensuring that sanitation facilities are safe and accessible.
Raising Awareness and Education:
Educating communities about menstrual health and breaking down taboos can help reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about women’s needs in disaster zones.
Collaborative Efforts:
Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities are essential for creating sustainable solutions that provide women with access to menstrual products and education, even in crisis situations.
Investing in Infrastructure and Innovation:
Building resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and provide clean water and sanitation facilities is crucial. Innovative solutions, such as mobile health clinics, can also help reach remote communities.
Natural disasters are an unavoidable reality in Southeast Asia, but their impact on women—particularly concerning menstrual inequity—can be mitigated through concerted efforts. By recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women, we can build more resilient communities that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals. It is time to bring menstrual inequity to the forefront of disaster response and recovery efforts, ensuring that women are not left behind. (Borgen Project)
