Earthquake response · April 2026

Sanitary Voucher Assistance for Women and Girls in Earthquake-Affected Communities

Monthly vouchers let women in Mandalay, Sagaing and Nyaungshwe choose their own hygiene supplies, and the support reaches whole households.

Women and girls remain among the most vulnerable groups in our communities after the disaster. Following the March 2025 earthquake, many women and girls in affected areas across Myanmar faced ongoing challenges. Beyond the urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical care, access to sanitary supplies has remained a daily and often overlooked concern - one that directly affects dignity and wellbeing.

As a mother of two daughters, Ma Ei Ei knows these struggles well. “One is still in middle school, while the other is already working,” she said.

To support women like Ma Ei Ei, we have been working with women and girls in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Nyaungshwe/Inle through a sanitary voucher assistance initiative. The vouchers allow participants to collect essential hygiene items from local shops, giving them choice, flexibility, and a sense of normalcy during the recovery period.

Each month, when she collects sanitary supplies using a voucher from a nearby shop, she plans carefully. “I always ration the supplies for my daughters,” she explained.

“I was surprised by the range of items we received,” Ma Ei Ei shared. “Not just pads, but also shampoo, soap, and combs. I can’t use all of them on my own, and I’m happy that I can share them with my girls.”

Her experience reflects a wider impact seen across communities. Support given to one woman often reaches an entire household. Nothing is wasted, and every item is used with care.

For many women, this assistance eases at least one worry during a time filled with uncertainty. “I’m grateful that we have access to sanitary pads every month through this voucher,” another participant shared. “It makes our lives a bit easier.”

Others highlighted broader needs within the community, beyond physical supplies. “I hope to see awareness-raising training for girls on menstruation and healthy practices,” one woman said. “So they know how to prevent cervical cancer.”

Listening to these voices, we developed and distributed an easy-to-read pamphlet on menstruation. The material provides practical information and helps challenge taboos that often prevent open discussion around menstrual health.

Access here: Link <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DGtxpi4gjwGOGjAj3lxdqtnrdLVAeZqe/view?usp=sharing>;

As this initiative continued, more women shared another often-unspoken challenge: menopause. Many said they were entering, or already experiencing, this stage of life without access to clear and reliable information. In response, we created a second pamphlet focused on menopause, explaining its stages, common symptoms, and simple ways to manage daily changes.

Access here: Link <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gj3b4CR0x6lvLL2IOi38bjExNPqvJuWU/view?usp=sharing>;

The voucher-based approach also supports recovery beyond individual households. By allowing women to redeem vouchers at nearby shops, this initiative helps local businesses stay open and connected to the community. While women access essential hygiene items with dignity and choice, shop owners continue to earn a living - supporting economic recovery alongside personal wellbeing.