Amid the prolonged conflict in Gaza, the scarcity of essential female hygiene products exacerbates the challenges faced by women in the region. The ongoing war, which has persisted for over 10 months, has led to a severe shortage of items such as menstrual hygiene products and razors, rendering them either exorbitantly priced or unavailable.

The dire situation affects over 540,000 women and girls of reproductive age in Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for access to basic hygiene and healthcare essentials. Displaced multiple times since the commencement of hostilities, women like Leena Abu Hain, 21, residing in temporary shelters, struggle to maintain personal cleanliness amidst limited resources and facilities. The lack of privacy and inadequate sanitation facilities further compound their difficulties, forcing them to endure compromised hygiene practices.

UN Women has characterized the conflict in Gaza as disproportionately impacting women, with approximately one million women and girls bearing the brunt of the prolonged war. Displacement, restricted access to water, and limited healthcare services have significantly jeopardized the well-being of women in the region. The unavailability of basic hygiene products, coupled with exorbitant prices, has further exacerbated their plight, compelling them to resort to makeshift alternatives during menstruation.

The Israeli government’s alleged use of water as a weapon during the conflict has raised concerns regarding human rights violations and potential breaches of international law. The scarcity of essential supplies, including nutritious food and prenatal care, poses a grave threat to pregnant women like Samaher Kishko, 39, who faces challenges in accessing adequate nutrition and medical support for her unborn child. The exorbitant prices of staple foods like eggs and meat have rendered them unaffordable for many, exacerbating the nutritional deficiencies faced by expectant mothers.

The disruption in humanitarian aid distribution has further deepened the crisis, leaving many women without access to essential items like sanitary pads. With no new clothing entering the region since the onset of the conflict, women are compelled to make do with limited resources, often resorting to using makeshift alternatives like baby diapers during menstruation. The scarcity and high cost of hygiene products and detergents have added financial strain to women already grappling with the challenges of war and displacement.

As women in Gaza navigate the daily struggle for basic hygiene necessities, the uncertainty surrounding the availability of essential products looms large. The unrelenting conflict has not only disrupted their lives but has also jeopardized their health and well-being, underscoring the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance to alleviate the female hygiene crisis in Gaza.