The 'Sanitary Pad Controversy' Unveils Deep-Seated Gender Bias in China
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Beijing, Dec 3 (NationPress) In a bid to assert their rights, millions of Chinese women have initiated a significant social media movement addressing the deteriorating quality and shrinking size of sanitary pads accessible in the nation—an issue that has long been a source of discontent but often ignored due to persistent social taboos surrounding menstruation.
The so-called 'sanitary pad controversy' has gained widespread attention across Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo, Red, and Douyin, with certain videos amassing over 200 million views.
Since last month, numerous feminist activists have scrutinized prominent sanitary pad brands in China, accusing them of manipulating regulations regarding the length of sanitary napkins to cut costs and maximize profits at the expense of consumers.
Their frustration peaked when leading manufacturers issued a dismissive statement, 'buy if you like', prompting consumers to take to social media and call for a total boycott of their products.
'The quality control of sanitary napkins is directly linked to women's health and should not be overlooked. The safety and quality expectations of female consumers can only be met if they are acknowledged and voiced more openly,' reported China Youth Daily, the official publication of the Communist Youth League of China.
While state-run media is urging sanitary napkin manufacturers to enhance the consumer experience and prioritize quality control, analysts believe this recent controversy underscores Beijing's ongoing failure to eradicate gender discrimination that has persisted for decades.
In previous instances, Chinese social justice advocates have faced arrest and prosecution for their involvement in various movements, including MeToo and support for survivors of sexual violence.
Two years ago, the state-owned Chinese rail operator faced severe backlash for failing to provide sanitary pads on trains.
'Over 340 million women aged 15 to 49 utilize sanitary napkins in China, with the market for these products valued at approximately 98 billion yuan (around US$13.4 billion). Yet, many women in mainland China lack trust in domestically produced feminine care items,' reported Radio Free Asia on Monday.
The report noted that, influenced by accounts of contaminated and discolored cotton filling in similar products made just across the border, consumers are purchasing 'large quantities' of sanitary towels and other feminine hygiene products from various stores in Hong Kong.
Interestingly, China is set to host the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in March 2025.
The primary focus of the 69th session will be on reviewing and assessing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.
