Why Taxes on Sanitary Pads Hurt Women: A Hidden Crisis We Need to Talk About

 

Introduction 

For many women, a sanitary pad is not a luxury  it is a basic necessity, just like soap, clean water, or medicine. Yet in many countries, including developing regions, sanitary pads are taxed like luxury items. These taxes may look small on paper, but in real life they create a silent crisis that affects the dignity, health, and daily life of millions of girls and women.

This blog explains what is happening, why it is happening, and how these taxes impact women’s lives.

What Are Sanitary Pad Taxes?

Sanitary pad taxes refer to the sales tax, GST, or value-added tax (VAT) placed on menstrual hygiene products.

In simple words, whenever a woman buys pads, she is paying an extra amount because of government tax policies.

Instead of treating pads as essential health products, many systems classify them as “non-essential items,” which pushes their price higher.

Why Are These Taxes Even Added?

There are three main reasons:

1. Old Policies That Never Changed

Many tax laws were created decades ago, mostly by men, at a time when women’s health was not openly discussed. Pads were never seen as a daily need, and governments simply kept following those old categories.

2. Lack of Awareness Among Policy Makers

Menstruation is still a taboo topic in many societies.Because decision-makers rarely discuss menstrual health, they fail to see how these taxes create financial pressure on women, especially poor and rural women.

3. Revenue Generation

Some governments argue that taxes bring revenue.

But in reality, the income generated from pads is very small compared to other industries  yet the social harm is very large.

How Taxes Affect Women’s Lives

Taxes on pads are not just about money , they affect a woman’s health, education, mental wellbeing, and dignity.

1. Pads Become Too Expensive

For low-income families, even a small tax means the difference between buying pads and skipping them.

This forces women to use unsafe alternatives like:

•old cloth

•rags

•newspapers

•unclean cotton

     These methods increase the risk of infections, discomfort, and bad hygiene.

2. Girls Miss School During Their Periods

When girls cannot afford pads, they often avoid going to school because of fear of staining or embarrassment.

This leads to:

•falling grades

•loss of confidence

•dropping out in extreme cases

A simple product becomes the reason a girl loses her right to education.

3. Women Limit Their Daily Activities

During periods, many women avoid:

•going to work

•traveling

•participating in social events

This reduces their economic opportunities and keeps them trapped in inequality.

4. Mental and Emotional Burden

Not being able to afford pads creates:

•shame

•stress

•frustration

•low self-esteem

Women feel guilty for asking money for something they have no control over.

Period Poverty: A Result of These Taxes

“Period poverty” means being unable to afford menstrual hygiene products.

Taxes make period poverty worse by increasing the cost of pads.

Millions of women worldwide experience:

•limited access to clean materials

•lack of privacy

•poor sanitation

•health complication

This is not just a women’s issue  it is a public health issues.

What Can Be Done?

To reduce the burden, governments and societies can take powerful steps:

1. Remove Taxes on Pads

Countries like Kenya, Canada, India, and the UK have already removed tampon taxes, proving it is possible.

2. Provide Free Pads in Schools and Colleges 

This ensures young girls do not miss education.

3. Increase Local Production

Producing affordable pads locally reduces costs and creates jobs for women.

4. Menstrual Education

Breaking the stigma can create a more supportive environment for policy changes.

Why This Matters

Menstruation is not a choice.

It is a natural biological process ,so menstrual hygiene products should be treated like essential health items, not luxury goods.

Taxes on sanitary pads may look like a small policy issue, but they harm millions.

Removing these taxes is not just an economic reform , it is a step toward dignity, equality, and better public health.

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