The Use of Sanitary Napkins in Bangladesh: An Overview

The use of sanitary napkins in Bangladesh has evolved significantly over the past few decades. With increasing awareness about menstrual hygiene, more women and girls are adopting sanitary napkins as a safer and more hygienic option during menstruation. This article explores the current state of sanitary napkin usage in Bangladesh, the factors influencing its consumption, challenges, and potential solutions to increase accessibility and affordability.

Current Market Overview

Bangladesh’s sanitary napkin market has grown substantially due to rising awareness, government initiatives, and the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). According to industry estimates, the country’s annual sanitary napkin consumption is approximately 1.5 to 2 billion units. However, this number is continually rising due to population growth and increasing awareness about menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

Factors Influencing Sanitary Napkin Use

1. Population and Demographics:
   • Bangladesh has a population of over 165 million, with approximately half being female. The number of menstruating women aged 12-49 is estimated to be around 40 million.
2. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Various government and NGO-led initiatives have played a crucial role in raising awareness about menstrual hygiene. Campaigns like “Better Hygiene, Better Life” and “Let’s Talk Period” have encouraged sanitary napkin use.
3. Economic Growth:
   • As Bangladesh’s economy grows, disposable incomes have increased, allowing more women to purchase sanitary products.
4. Urbanization and Education:
   • Higher literacy rates and increased urbanization have contributed to greater awareness and access to sanitary products.
5. Government and NGO Initiatives:
   • The Bangladesh government has implemented policies promoting menstrual hygiene education in schools and offering subsidized sanitary napkins through health programs.

Challenges in Sanitary Napkin Use

1. Affordability:
   • Despite growing awareness, affordability remains a significant barrier. Many women, particularly in rural areas, cannot afford branded sanitary napkins.
2. Cultural Taboos and Stigma:
   • Menstruation is still considered taboo in many parts of Bangladesh, discouraging open discussions and limiting product access.
3. Limited Access in Rural Areas:
   • A large percentage of Bangladesh’s population lives in rural areas where access to sanitary napkins is limited due to inadequate supply chains and lack of nearby retail outlets.
4. Environmental Concerns:
   • The increasing use of disposable sanitary napkins raises environmental concerns due to improper waste management and non-biodegradable components.

Key Players in the Market

Several brands dominate the Bangladeshi sanitary napkin market, including international companies like Procter & Gamble (Whisper) and Unilever (Stayfree) alongside local brands such as Joya, Senora, and Square Toiletries. These companies have played a pivotal role in increasing product availability and affordability through competitive pricing and widespread distribution.

Initiatives for Improving Menstrual Hygiene

1. Subsidized Napkin Programs:
   • The government has partnered with NGOs to distribute subsidized sanitary napkins in rural and underserved areas.
2. Menstrual Hygiene Education:
   • Schools have started incorporating menstrual hygiene education into their curricula, helping break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
3. Social Enterprises and Startups:
   • Social enterprises like SHE (Social Health Enterprises) are producing low-cost sanitary napkins to reach underprivileged communities.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
   • Several corporations have undertaken CSR projects focused on menstrual hygiene, including free sanitary napkin distribution and awareness campaigns.

Recommendations for Increasing Sanitary Napkin Use

1. Policy Support:
   • Introducing tax exemptions or subsidies on sanitary products could make them more affordable.
2. Enhanced Distribution Networks:
   • Strengthening supply chains in rural areas would ensure broader access to sanitary products.
3. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Continuously running media campaigns, workshops, and school programs can help normalize menstrual hygiene discussions.
4. Sustainability Measures:
   • Promoting biodegradable and reusable menstrual products could address environmental concerns.
5. Community Engagement:
   • Involving community leaders and influencers in menstrual health initiatives can help break cultural taboos.

Conclusion

The use of sanitary napkins in Bangladesh is on the rise, driven by increased awareness, economic development, and proactive government and NGO efforts. However, challenges such as affordability, cultural stigma, and environmental sustainability need to be addressed for wider adoption. A collaborative effort involving policymakers, private companies, NGOs, and communities is essential to ensure that every woman in Bangladesh has access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene products. Through sustained efforts, Bangladesh can continue to make strides in menstrual health management, improving the quality of life for millions of women and girls across the country.