The Impact of Political Strongmen on Women’s Menstrual Equity

A blog by Anna McFadyen, Young Expert at GHRH

Classical myths depicted menstruation as a form of punishment, a curse placed on women. These negative connotations have seeped into our modern ideals in which periods are viewed in many cultures, as taboo, gross, or shameful. In Western democracies, the issue of period poverty has risen in political spheres – with the Scottish government being the first in the world to make period products free for all. However, there is a colossal gap across the globe when it comes to menstrual equity. This has been worsened by the rise of strongmen politics.

What is a strongman?

Political strongmen are leaders who tend to rule through authoritarian methods, such as repression, co-optation, and legislative strategies. They are often characterised by exclusionary policies and sexist ideals of masculinity, producing severe detriments to girls’ rights. This means that issues of menstruation are not on the political agenda and menstrual inequity is worsened.

What does menstrual inequity look like?

Millions of girls and young women have limited or no access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities. This is worsened within countries run by political strongmen as gender-specific social issues are neglected. For example, in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro vetoed a bill which would have given free sanitary products to disadvantaged women and girls as he said it was ‘against the public interest.’ Many campaigners highlighted the barriers this creates for education as 1 in 4 menstruators in Brazil do not attend school as they do not have access to period products. This fosters a worsened cycle as young women and girls cannot access their right to education, work, and sanitation.

Menstrual inequity worsened by political repression

Many strongmen exhibit nationalist beliefs and often only depict women as the mothers of the nation, defining them by their bodies. Oppressive regimes reinforce their power through hypermasculine ideals, proving to be detrimental to the female citizens of the nation. Feminist movements are repressed in these regimes to consolidate the leader’s power and diminish the threat of opposing ideologies. For example, the Chinese Communist Party have arrested women human rights defenders and closed feminist organisations, preventing women from engaging with feminist discourse. Therefore, women’s issues are secondary or ignored by the government to make room for the exclusionary priorities of the regime.

Intersectionality of period poverty

Education is a key factor in menstrual equity as it allows young girls and women to access their human rights and articulate their concerns about the structures surrounding women’s hygiene in their countries, as well as normalise conversations about menstruation. Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, has underlined the objectives of the feminist movement through increasing women’s political representation. However, Aili Mari Tripp argues the inclusion of women has also furthered the autocratic regime ‘remain in power and maintain legitimacy’. In Uganda, girls who live in poverty are forced to use plant leaves and old rugs as period products. As soap and water are in short supply, girls are unable to clean their makeshift products and must reuse them as they have no alternative and sanitary option.

Strongmen do little for women’s rights or suppress the interests of women. This is demonstrated through the repressive actions against women’s movements or the lack of action towards menstrual equity.

What can we do?

It is important to discuss menstrual equity from an intersectional lens, considering the significant barriers faced by girls in the Global South. Education is vital in establishing normalised conversations surrounding menstruation and hygiene, as well as enhancing knowledge of resources and political agency. Starting conversations will allow us to demonstrate the hurdles which girls encounter. Organising events and drives allows for collection of resources, collaboration on strategies, and strengthened communication. As we advocate for change, we must support others to join organisations and empower young women and girls to make change.

*The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the Young Experts and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of the Girls Human Rights Hub. The content shared here is intended to provide insights and perspectives on girls human rights and human rights issues, but it is important to recognise that individual opinions may vary.

Reference list

Diamond, C. (2022). Period poverty: Scotland first in world to make period products free. BBC News. [online] 24 Nov. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-51629880 [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].

Griffin, J. (2021). Bolsonaro blocks free tampons and pads for disadvantaged women in Brazil. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/11/bolsonaro-blocks-free-tampons-and-pads-for-disadvantaged-women-in-brazil [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].

Scribner, C. (n.d.). Why Strongmen Attack Women’s Rights. [online] Freedom House. Available at: https://freedomhouse.org/article/why-strongmen-attack-womens-rights [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].

Secretariat (2023). Breaking Period Poverty and Menstrual Shame for Girls in Uganda. [online] IAWRT. Available at: https://iawrt.org/breaking-period-poverty-and-menstrual-shame-for-girls-in-uganda/ [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].

Tripp, A.M. (n.d.). Women appointed to top positions in Uganda, but feelings are mixed. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/women-appointed-to-top-positions-in-uganda-but-feelings-are-mixed-162614 [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].

UNICEF (2021). Pobreza Menstrual no Brasil. [online] UNFPA Brazil. Available at: https://brazil.unfpa.org/pt-br/publications/pobreza-menstrual-no-brasil.

Valentine, J. (n.d.). Why Are We So Uncomfortable? The Confusing Taboo of Menstruation in Ancient Rome and Modern America. pressbooks.claremont.edu. [online] Available at: https://pressbooks.claremont.edu/clas112pomonavalentine/chapter/why-are-we-so-uncomfortable-the-confusing-taboo-of-menstruation-in-ancient-rome-and-modern-america/ [Accessed 3 Oct. 2024].