The Cuban content creator Darling Mores (@darlingmores) sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok after posting a video showcasing a bag filled with recycled cloths.
The Cuban woman explained that this is the solution many women use to make their own menstrual pads, due to the prolonged shortage of intimate pads in the country.
The video surpassed two million views and has generated thousands of comments from users who cannot comprehend the level of misery faced by Cuban women.
"This is what we have to use because there are none of the others," says Mores, while showing the improvised fabric "pads."
She recalled that the government sells a monthly package of sanitary pads to every woman of childbearing age, but it has been over a year since they have been available at pharmacies.
The few sanitary pads available in the country must be found on the black market, at prices that can equal the entire monthly salary of a worker.
This problem, hard to imagine in other countries around the world, is a daily reality that women endure in silence, month after month, across Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis of Female Hygiene Products in Cuba
Why do women in Cuba use recycled cloths as menstrual pads?
Women in Cuba resort to recycled cloths due to the prolonged shortage of feminine pads. The government provides a monthly package of feminine pads to every woman of childbearing age, but they have not been distributed regularly in pharmacies for over a year. The few available are found on the black market at very high prices, often equivalent to an entire month's salary of a worker.
How many sanitary pads do women in Cuba receive per month?
In Cuba, women receive a monthly package containing five or six sanitary pads from a single brand called Mariposa. This quantity is insufficient for many, especially if their menstrual period lasts longer than usual, which forces them to seek alternatives such as using cotton or cloth.
What is the situation of the black market for women's hygiene products in Cuba?
The black market is often the only option to obtain feminine hygiene products in Cuba, such as sanitary pads. Prices in this market can be exorbitant, reaching the full salary of a worker, making them inaccessible for many women.
What other alternatives for feminine hygiene products are available in Cuba?
The alternatives are very limited. Although some people have suggested the use of menstrual cups, many women in Cuba are not even aware of their existence, and their availability on the island is practically nonexistent. The lack of options forces women to be creative and resort to traditional methods such as using rags or cotton.
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