{"id":8005,"date":"2023-11-24T08:55:29","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T07:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=8005"},"modified":"2023-11-24T08:55:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T07:55:29","slug":"why-are-tampons-banned-in-north-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/why-are-tampons-banned-in-north-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Tampons Banned In North Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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North Korea’s Legal System<\/h2>\n

North Korea is one of the world’s most oppressive countries, and its 70-year-old Stalinist regime has implemented a series of measures to control its citizens in a variety of ways. One of these measures is a ban on tampons, a product that North Korea views as subversive and dangerous to its authority. The underlying reasons for this unusual regulation are deeply rooted in North Korea’s legal system.
\nNorth Korean law is largely based on the ‘Socialist Rule of Law’ model, which has been adopted by a number of socialist countries since its inception in the Soviet Union in the late 1940s. This approach to law heavily emphasizes the state’s interests over those of individual citizens, and places a strong emphasis on the role of the law in ensuring social stability. As such, the North Korean state sees any product or activity that it deems to be disruptive or unfamiliar as a threat to its authority and aims to eliminate them.
\nIn North Korea, breaking the law can carry serious consequences. The authorities have a number of punitive measures at their disposal, from short-term detention to imprisonment in a labor camp. As a result, North Koreans are reluctant to challenge the status quo, and this reluctance is compounded by the country’s pervasive surveillance and censorship infrastructure. In this climate, even a product as seemingly innocuous as tampons can be seen as a threat to North Korea’s authoritarian regime.<\/p>\n

The Problems with Tampons<\/h2>\n

The North Korean authorities have several reservations regarding tampons. One practical issue is their cost, as North Korea has a limited budget for products such as hygiene and medical supplies. By banning tampons, the government can save money and allocate resources elsewhere.
\nThe issue goes beyond simply cost though, as the North Korean government views tampons as something to be suspicious of. Because tampons are connected with sexual health and feminine hygiene, the government sees them as potentially subversive, as they can lead to discussion about topics it deems inappropriate for public discourse. This underlying sense of taboo is further enhanced by the fact that tampons can be used for personal hygiene, meaning that their use can be seen as an attempt to protect oneself from the toxic cultural attitudes of the North Korean state. In addition, the fact that tampons are often imported from abroad only serves to amplify the government’s concerns that they could be used for subversive purposes.<\/p>\n

Impact Perspective of North Koreans<\/h2>\n

For North Korean women, the ban on tampons presents a number of challenges. In the absence of access to tampons, women may be forced to resort to other, less sanitary, methods of managing their monthly cycle. This can have a detrimental effect on both their physical and mental health.
\nFor example, more traditional methods such as reusing sanitary pads can lead to an increased risk of infection, while the lack of access to tampons can create feelings of shame and anxiety due to a lack of ability to adequately manage their menstrual cycle. Additionally, the lack of access to tampons can place a financial burden on North Korean women, as they are forced to seek out alternative methods of managing their menstrual cycle. This often involves buying items from the black market, which can be expensive.<\/p>\n

The Implications of the Ban<\/h2>\n

The ban on tampons in North Korea carries with it a number of implications both for the population of the country and for the international community. In terms of the former, the ban highlights the oppressive, authoritarian nature of the North Korean regime, as well as the lengths it is willing to go to in order to maintain its power.
\nOn an international level, the ban is an indicator of North Korea’s unwillingness to engage with the rest of the world, as well as its continued commitment to maintaining its sovereignty at any cost, even if it means depriving its own citizens of essential resources. It also serves as a warning to other states that the North Korean government will take drastic measures if it perceives its authority to be under threat, a reminder that its actions are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.<\/p>\n

International Response to the Ban<\/h2>\n