In recent weeks, a wave of criticism has emerged in China regarding the manufacturing practices of sanitary pad companies, sparked by a university student's online discovery that several brands sold pads shorter than advertised by up to 17 percent. Sabrina Wang, 22, measured the pads she had at home and expressed concern about the implications for women's health and safety.
Wang's findings prompted her to advocate for stricter oversight of sanitary product manufacturers, highlighting a perceived lack of respect for women's needs. Her call to action resonated with many, leading to a broader discourse on women's issues in China, including inadequate sex education and the lack of female representation in corporate leadership.
As the conversation evolved, women began to boycott brands they deemed substandard, sharing information on making reusable pads and trending hashtags that criticized manufacturers. This backlash led a major manufacturer to withdraw its products from an e-commerce platform, while state media addressed "deep-seated problems" in the industry.
The discussions surrounding sanitary products have become part of a larger narrative on gender inequality in China, despite governmental efforts to suppress independent voices. Women's menstruation issues have gained attention, particularly highlighted during the Covid pandemic when sanitary pads were scarce for medical staff.
The current campaign began on Xiaohongshu, a platform popular among women, where users posted videos measuring their sanitary pads, urging others to participate. Initial interactions with customer service representatives from manufacturers were met with dismissive responses, escalating public outrage.
As scrutiny extended beyond pad length to chemical content and perceived sexism in advertising, women began advocating for more robust regulations, including suggestions for increasing random inspections of manufacturers. Many expressed hope that collective feedback would influence industry standards.
Following the protests, major manufacturers issued apologies, with one founder publicly pledging to adhere strictly to industry standards. However, the official response remained cautious, framing the issue primarily as a consumer rights concern rather than a matter of women's rights.
Despite the apparent impact of the protests, there were indications of governmental unease with feminist mobilization. Reports indicated that some online content had been partially censored, and companies that previously aligned with feminist themes faced backlash from male audiences.
For many women, the changes implemented by manufacturers were seen as insufficient. Some, like writer Zhang Yanchi, expressed a desire for female entrepreneurs to create companies that respect and empower women, emphasizing the need for products that genuinely meet women's needs.