nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Asia, the issues Bangladeshi women tea garden workers face are emblematic of a larger stigma in Bangladesh around menstruation. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include a concerning trend of violence against journalists, mixed results from a survey of Bhutan civil service workers on AI, and the recent use of an anime as a symbol of defiance.
Bangladesh is one of the world's largest tea exporters, with around 170 active tea gardens. Despite the industry's success, tea garden workers are often subjected to extreme working conditions, including low pay and long hours. Women make up the majority of Bangladesh’s tea garden workers, and they have been vocal about the inhumane treatment they have endured for years. A 2018 article detailed how tea garden workers often begin working in childhood, yet their income remains three times lower than the average farmer’s earnings. A recent October 2025 article shows that little has changed in the lives of tea garden workers, particularly for women, who are forced to endure unhygienic conditions. Most tea gardens lack facilities for women to wash, which is particularly problematic during menstruation. Similarly, women tea workers often have to go without sanitary supplies due to their low wages. And although the tea gardens claim they allow time off for medical leave, some women tea workers say they are unable to take time off for menstrual pain, or they lose pay not only for the days they missed but sometimes additional days as retribution.
The treatment of Bangladeshi women tea garden workers is emblematic of a larger problem in Bangladesh: the stigma surrounding menstruation. This stigma is especially prevalent in low–income communities and rural areas of Bangladesh. A 2018 survey found that almost half of Bangladesh’s children had not heard about menstruation before getting their first period. A 2025 study saw 91% of Bangladesh’s low–income people who menstruate choosing to use cloth instead of purchasing sanitary supplies because of the cost and lack of education, as only 27% were aware of sanitary pads.
An August 2025 report shows that, while still greatly lacking, Bangladesh is taking steps to address the Human Rights Council Resolution 47/4 on “Menstrual hygiene management, human rights, and gender equality.” While no legislation has been put into place, recent progress includes improving access to WASH facilities in schools, increasing education about menstruation, and installing toilets, and providing sanitary supplies at workplaces. The Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Human Capital Development Project is also offering loans and training Bangladeshi women to start sanitary supply businesses.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Asia:
- Human rights groups are noting a concerning trend in the detention of and violence against journalists in the Asia–Pacific region.
- A recent survey found that although many Bhutan civil service workers support AI use to improve government efficiency, most currently lack the necessary training and awareness of responsibly integrating AI in their work.
- The anime “One Piece” has become a symbol of defiance against corrupt leaders, with many youth protesters waving the One Piece flag at protests in countries like Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines.
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Bangladesh makes slow progress, battling menstruation stigma
Image by khurshid alam from Pixabay
November 7, 2025
Diplomatic Courier’s Stephanie Gull brings you weekly under–the–radar stories from around the world. This week in Asia: Bangladesh makes halting progress addressing a gendered stigma around menstruation, but hurdles remain.
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nder the Radar is a weekly special series bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world, one region at a time. This week in Asia, the issues Bangladeshi women tea garden workers face are emblematic of a larger stigma in Bangladesh around menstruation. Other noteworthy under–the–radar stories from the region include a concerning trend of violence against journalists, mixed results from a survey of Bhutan civil service workers on AI, and the recent use of an anime as a symbol of defiance.
Bangladesh is one of the world's largest tea exporters, with around 170 active tea gardens. Despite the industry's success, tea garden workers are often subjected to extreme working conditions, including low pay and long hours. Women make up the majority of Bangladesh’s tea garden workers, and they have been vocal about the inhumane treatment they have endured for years. A 2018 article detailed how tea garden workers often begin working in childhood, yet their income remains three times lower than the average farmer’s earnings. A recent October 2025 article shows that little has changed in the lives of tea garden workers, particularly for women, who are forced to endure unhygienic conditions. Most tea gardens lack facilities for women to wash, which is particularly problematic during menstruation. Similarly, women tea workers often have to go without sanitary supplies due to their low wages. And although the tea gardens claim they allow time off for medical leave, some women tea workers say they are unable to take time off for menstrual pain, or they lose pay not only for the days they missed but sometimes additional days as retribution.
The treatment of Bangladeshi women tea garden workers is emblematic of a larger problem in Bangladesh: the stigma surrounding menstruation. This stigma is especially prevalent in low–income communities and rural areas of Bangladesh. A 2018 survey found that almost half of Bangladesh’s children had not heard about menstruation before getting their first period. A 2025 study saw 91% of Bangladesh’s low–income people who menstruate choosing to use cloth instead of purchasing sanitary supplies because of the cost and lack of education, as only 27% were aware of sanitary pads.
An August 2025 report shows that, while still greatly lacking, Bangladesh is taking steps to address the Human Rights Council Resolution 47/4 on “Menstrual hygiene management, human rights, and gender equality.” While no legislation has been put into place, recent progress includes improving access to WASH facilities in schools, increasing education about menstruation, and installing toilets, and providing sanitary supplies at workplaces. The Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Human Capital Development Project is also offering loans and training Bangladeshi women to start sanitary supply businesses.
Here are some other under–the–radar stories from Asia:
- Human rights groups are noting a concerning trend in the detention of and violence against journalists in the Asia–Pacific region.
- A recent survey found that although many Bhutan civil service workers support AI use to improve government efficiency, most currently lack the necessary training and awareness of responsibly integrating AI in their work.
- The anime “One Piece” has become a symbol of defiance against corrupt leaders, with many youth protesters waving the One Piece flag at protests in countries like Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines.
