Periods in Crisis: Global Challenges for Women & Girls
In Gaza, a menstrual health crisis unfolds, severely impacting women and girls amidst conflict. Around 700,000 face dire challenges, lacking access to vital menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and sanitation, exacerbated by aid blockades. This critical shortage of sanitary pads forces unsafe alternatives, leading to increased infections and long-term health risks. The collapse of healthcare compounds the issues, creating psychological distress. The United Nations and other groups are providing aid, focusing on menstrual health as a primary_keyword, but supplies are critically dwindling, making access nearly impractical for the secondary_keyword, Gaza women. News Directory 3 highlights the urgent need for continued international support. Discover what’s next.
Gaza Women Face Menstrual Health Crisis Amid Conflict
Updated June 08, 2025
For the 1.8 billion people worldwide who menstruate, managing their period is a monthly reality. But in crisis zones like Gaza, it becomes a dire struggle. Around 700,000 women and girls of menstruating age in the war-torn region face relentless bombardment, cramped conditions, and a severe lack of privacy.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned that limited access to menstrual products, clean water, and soap deprives women and girls of their dignity. An Israeli aid blockade since March has further depleted essential hygiene supplies, including sanitary pads. Although the ban was temporarily lifted, the aid delivered falls far short of the overwhelming need.
Nearly 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, and fuel for water pumping is scarce. This leaves women and girls with few options for managing their menstrual health.
© UNICEF
A woman and child walk through the rubble of Gaza.
One young girl told UNFPA about getting her period in a crowded displacement camp. She had only one pad and no way to wash.”I sat in silence crying until the end of the day,” she said.
With extreme water shortages affecting nine in 10 households, menstruation has become a source of anxiety, isolation, and shame.Aisha, a displaced girl, said, “Sometimes I need pads and soap more than I need food.”
The scarcity of sanitary pads forces women and girls to use torn clothes, sponges, or old rags, frequently enough without proper cleaning. A father of four displaced from Jabalia said he tore his only shirt into pieces for his daughters to use.
These makeshift solutions can cause infections and long-term reproductive health issues. Gaza’s collapsing health system leaves thousands of women without treatment. The psychological impact is also severe. One girl said, “Every time my period comes, I wish I weren’t a girl.”
A doctor in Gaza described treating women coping with menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth under horrifying conditions. “These should be natural experiences, not sources of distress and pain,” she said. “I see strength in women’s eyes, but I also see deep pain and the stripping away of dignity.”
UN agencies report that women and girls are especially vulnerable in emergencies. They face heightened risks due to displacement and the breakdown of protection structures.They also bear increased care-related tasks.
maysa, a displaced woman in Khan Younis, said, “Food keeps us alive, but pads, soap, and privacy let us live with dignity. When we receive hygiene kits, it feels like someone finally sees us.”
UNFPA is working to integrate menstrual health into humanitarian efforts in Gaza. As October 2023, the agency has provided over 300,000 women and girls with two-month supplies of disposable menstrual pads and distributed postpartum kits to over 12,000 new mothers.
However, after three months of an aid blockade, stocks are nearly weary.Border crossings are closed, preventing hygiene kits from reaching those in need. Recent aid deliveries included food, flour, medicine, and nutrition support.
The UN continues to call for urgent support for women and girls caught in neglected crises.
what’s next
Continued international pressure and aid are crucial to alleviate the menstrual health crisis and provide essential support to women and girls in Gaza. The UNFPA and other organizations are working to ensure menstrual health is integrated into humanitarian efforts, but face significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and aid restrictions.