In an extraordinary development in Myanmar, women are draping used pads on streets to defy the military junta. They developed this strategy because of an existing male superstition that is particularly strong within military ranks. By Pwint Htun and Paula Bock in Los Angeles Times:

The Myanmar military fears menstrual blood. The troops believe that passing under clothing that has touched women’s private parts will sap hpoun — their spiritual energy — to destroy their luck, especially in battle.

In searing heat, threatened by tear gas and bullets, women in Myanmar are exploiting this male superstition, stringing up used sanitary pads and colorful longyi sarongs across neighborhood streets.

The defensive perimeters have deterred many soldiers, at least long enough for women to hide, a colleague told us on a cellphone call last week. The previous night in Sanchaung, a township in the capital city Yangon, she said military troops barricaded the streets, screaming at trapped female protesters: “Whore, when I find you, I’m going to rape you!”

Read the full article here.