Isn't. Having. A. Period. More. Than. Enough?

As I opened my Instagram app today, I stumbled upon a post that read, "Due to shortage of supplies, women in Gaza are forced to use items such as rags, tent fabric and other pieces of clothing to replace pads for menstruation. Leading to catastrophic consequences on their health and well-being."

Scrunching my nose, I shook my head in disbelief. But then I questioned myself.Why am I even shocked about this? Since October 7th, conditions in Gaza have continued to worsen. They are mirroring the horrors of concentration camps during the Holocaust. The lack of shelter, food, safety, health, sanitation is crippling the people of Gaza, just like the Jews of Poland.

To say it's horrifying is an understatement. This is downright outrageous!

If I was menstruating, the last thing I would need is a dirty rag to absorb all the blood. And since I cannot withstand even the thought of using anything but a pad when I'm on my period, I cannot even begin to imagine how these women in Gaza are surviving. Questions are brimming in my head. What will they do if the blood stains their clothes? Do they have enough water to wash their clothes? How will they go to sleep?

For several women, it's honestly a pain to have a period every month. The cramps leading up to and during the menstrual period, followed by the gush of non-stop blood clots, and then the paranoia of staining the clothing or worse, the areas around us heightens our anxiety. We can't sleep or eat properly.

But when basic necessities are limited and we have no choice but to use items that are unsanitary, the feeling of anxiety triples. In that case, what should we do? Where else do we go? What is the solution? Why are women in Gaza having to go through such suffering and pain? Isn't having a period more than enough?