From Stigmas to Strength
Infections
Using cloths or other improvised products in private and dark locations does not guarantee the elimination of germs, causing serious affects on women's health and bacterial infections. Here are some of the health consequences of not using proper products:
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Inadequate drying and cleaning of cloths can cause bacterial infections if the skin is broken.
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Lack of washing facilities for hands can facilitate the spread of Hepatitis B or Thrush.
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Vaginal products that are inadequate for menstrual flow can create a blockage and build-up of blood clots, causing a protracted and painful period, increased odor and discomfort, and create the potential for additional infections.
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Inserting unclean rags into the vagina can introduce unwanted bacteria to the uterine cavity and cervix.
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Unsafe disposal of sanitary materials risk infecting others with HIV or Hepatitis viruses.
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In Bangladesh, 80% of factory workers are women and 60% of them use rags from the factory floor as menstrual cloths. These cloths are very chemically charged and often freshly dyed. Infections are common, causing 73% of women to miss work on an average of six days a month. Women also have no safe place to purchase pads or to change and dispose of them. When women are paid by piece, those missed six days are a huge economic damage to them but also to the business supply chain.
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