north korea is always at the top of the list when it comes to strange and severe rules. The nation, which is led by totalitarian Kim Jong Un, is well-known for its stringent and frequently contentious laws that affect almost every element of daily life, including the hygiene of women during their periods. The fact that tampons and sanitary pads are prohibited in north korea forces women to use antiquated and less sanitary substitutes, which is a startling and unsettling reality.
What women Use Instead of Sanitary Pads
Women can choose from a range of menstrual hygiene items in most regions of the world, such as period underwear, tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups, all of which are intended to make menstruation hygienic and manageable. However, none of these contemporary choices are permitted in North Korea.
Sanitary pads are not offered in stores due to government regulations, and it is strictly forbidden to import them. North Korean women are consequently forced to utilize washable rags or reusable cotton pads, which were widely used decades ago. These need to be cleaned and repurposed every month, which is a less sanitary, inconvenient procedure that frequently results in infections or other health issues, particularly when improper sanitation is utilized.
Not Just Pads — Condoms and Clothes Are Also Regulated
There are other oppressive laws in place in the nation, this being only one of them. Additionally, condoms are prohibited, and access to products and information on sexual health is limited. Women's attire is also subject to a rigid dress code. Skirts and pants are OK, but they can't be longer than the knees. Both freely picked hairstyles and blue jeans are strictly prohibited.
Controlled media and Religious Persecution
The government's influence extends beyond fashion and personal cleanliness. In north korea, all media is rigorously censored, and there are just three government-run television stations. The bible and other religious materials are prohibited, and openly professing one's faith can result in execution. There is hardly any freedom of expression, choice, or voice.
A Stark Contrast to the Rest of the World
This circumstance reveals a huge disparity in gender rights and healthcare access from an indian or global perspective, where menstrual health is gradually becoming less taboo and more publicly acknowledged. While a large portion of the globe supports free and easily accessible menstruation products, North Korean women are confined to historical circumstances and denied fundamental freedoms and options.
What women Use Instead of Sanitary Pads
Women can choose from a range of menstrual hygiene items in most regions of the world, such as period underwear, tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups, all of which are intended to make menstruation hygienic and manageable. However, none of these contemporary choices are permitted in North Korea.
Sanitary pads are not offered in stores due to government regulations, and it is strictly forbidden to import them. North Korean women are consequently forced to utilize washable rags or reusable cotton pads, which were widely used decades ago. These need to be cleaned and repurposed every month, which is a less sanitary, inconvenient procedure that frequently results in infections or other health issues, particularly when improper sanitation is utilized.
Not Just Pads — Condoms and Clothes Are Also Regulated
There are other oppressive laws in place in the nation, this being only one of them. Additionally, condoms are prohibited, and access to products and information on sexual health is limited. Women's attire is also subject to a rigid dress code. Skirts and pants are OK, but they can't be longer than the knees. Both freely picked hairstyles and blue jeans are strictly prohibited.
Controlled media and Religious Persecution
The government's influence extends beyond fashion and personal cleanliness. In north korea, all media is rigorously censored, and there are just three government-run television stations. The bible and other religious materials are prohibited, and openly professing one's faith can result in execution. There is hardly any freedom of expression, choice, or voice.
A Stark Contrast to the Rest of the World
This circumstance reveals a huge disparity in gender rights and healthcare access from an indian or global perspective, where menstrual health is gradually becoming less taboo and more publicly acknowledged. While a large portion of the globe supports free and easily accessible menstruation products, North Korean women are confined to historical circumstances and denied fundamental freedoms and options.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel