In Malaysia, where menstrual stigma still shapes the lives of millions, a political protest involving sanitary pads has stirred national outrage and highlighted the urgent need to confront enduring taboos around women’s health.
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The demonstration, staged on Sunday by dozens of members of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Negeri Sembilan, drew fierce criticism after its members wore sanitary pads over their mouths to mock the appointment of an “outsider” as a state senator – a gesture condemned as “deeply regressive”.
Protesters were opposing the selection of a senator from neighbouring Johor to replace a retiring local representative and claimed the pads – described as “thick, dense, highly absorbent and soundproof” – represented the “airtight silence” of the state party committee towards their concerns.
But the stunt, which even saw some female members take part, provoked swift condemnation from within the party itself. Senior figures warned that it risked reinforcing the shame and stigma that still surround menstruation in Malaysia.
“The menstrual pad is not a tool for personal gain or internal protest,” said the Kuala Lumpur women’s wing of the DAP in a statement. “It represents the lived experiences of millions of women and should not be exploited to make a political point, especially within our own party.”
The statement acknowledged that differences of opinion were inevitable, but urged members – “especially those with influence” – to engage in constructive dialogue rather than provocative acts that risked undermining the dignity of women.
Menstruation is not something to be ashamed of and using it as a means to shame others is just plain misogyny
The rebuke was echoed by the All Women’s Action Society, which labelled the stunt “nonsensical and deeply regressive”.
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