Netanyahu’s failed attempt to replace Shin Bet’s chief violates longstanding Israeli political taboos, as the apartheid state’s internal power struggle spirals to a new level of crisis while Gaza burns, writes RAMZY BAROUD
Why did women put up with being made to feel ashamed of their periods for so long?
KATE RAMSDEN welcomes the women who are speaking out and taking action over period poverty – and challenging the narrative of ‘shame’ at the same time

ELEVEN years ago, Thabitha Khumalo of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions addressed Unison conference and STUC Congress asking for support for Dignity Period, a charity set up by Action for Southern Africa to provide sanitary wear for women in Zimbabwe.
Because of the economic situation many women and girls just couldn’t afford sanitary products and resorted to using leaves, bark or newspapers, which caused infection and sometimes death.
I remember back then being appalled at the indignity and the serious health implications for these women and girls.
More from this author

From the ‘motherhood pay penalty’ to low-paid care work, the Morning Star Women’s Readers and Supporters Group in Scotland has been looking at how neoliberalism has been pushing back women’s hard-won gains, writes KATE RAMSDEN

KATE RAMSDEN calls out the SNP’s political choices, citing STUC research showing billions could be raised through progressive taxation to fund vital social work and care — instead, we’re being threatened with more cuts

KATE RAMSDEN explains why Scottish women decided to set up a women's RSG and invites all sisters to attend its next webinar on Tuesday

Properly funded public services are good for the economy as a whole, says KATE RAMSDEN