Residents and displaced women in Shadaw (Somo Phay Soe Lay) Township in Karenni (Kayah) State are facing a shortage of sanitary pads due to road closures.
Due to the closure of all the roads in Shadaw (Somo Phay Soe Lay) Township, young women said that they could not buy sanitary pads, and there was a shortage of women’s personal care products at local shops. Consequently, they are forced to use cloth during their menstrual periods.
Maw Mae Mo, a local woman said: “IDPs in Somo Phay Soe Lay Township are in dire need of personal care products and sanitary pads. It is difficult to transport goods. Local shops no longer stock these items. It is very crucial for women. There is a shortage. Even if we want to buy them, we simply can’t.”
Due to the inability to purchase sanitary pads and limited clothing options, some women are managing their menstrual periods using only a single piece of underwear.
Others are using folded longyis as a makeshift solution, according to another local young woman, according to another local young woman.
“I think it’s more accurate to say that sanitary pads are simply unavailable for purchase. The shortage has been ongoing since February. Even when donors provide assistance, each household only receives one package, which typically lasts just one month,” she said.
In addition to transportation difficulties and road closures affecting Shadaw Township, residents are unable to purchase essentials such as soap, clothes, footwear, and sanitary pads, according to Khu Ku Reh, Chair of the Somo Phay Soe Lay Youth.
“There are no shops selling clothes or footwear. Due to transportation difficulties, people cannot go shopping. Some are forced to wear their existing clothes, which are not clean,” said Khu Ku Reh.
A young local woman said that due to the lack of places to buy essentials and financial difficulties, people have to use the clothes they already have. As a result, many are developing skin diseases from having to wear wet underwear during the rainy season.
“Due to wearing wet underwear, women are at risk of developing skin conditions. They often have to rely on liquid detergents intended for dishwashing due to a shortage of personal hygiene products like soap and shampoo. Consequently, they use these detergents for washing clothes, shampooing, and bathing,” she explained.
On 12 February 2024, the resistance forces took full control of Shadaw Township. However, displaced residents have not yet returned home due to the ongoing risks of landmines and airstrikes.
Shadaw Township hosts three IDP camps, accommodating over 300 households and more than 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times
