Myanmar's military regime has expanded its ban on the distribution of sanitary products, alleging they are utilized by the People's Defence Force for medical treatment of injuries. Activists, including Thinzar Shunlei Yi from Sisters2Sisters, argue that this ban is part of a broader military strategy to deprive insurgents of essential supplies. The ban, which began in August 2023, has led to women using unsafe alternatives like rags and leaves, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections and other health issues. The hidden market for sanitary products has seen prices soar from 3,000 kyat (approximately £1) to 9,000 kyat, making access increasingly difficult, especially as the minimum daily wage in Myanmar is 7,800 kyat. Activists claim this policy is a form of gender-based violence aimed at controlling women and limiting their participation in public life. The situation has prompted local organizations to alert the United Nations, labeling the ban a human rights violation.