Food, clothes and hygiene products: these are just a few items that could be argued as essential. Inevitably it is necessary to draw a line between essential and luxury, however when an item is taxed in a seemingly illogical way, uproar is bound to begin. This is what happened when female sanitary products began being taxed at a shocking 5%. Unsurprisingly, many were outraged by this tax which lead to petitions proposing an end to it. One received over 135,000 signatures within a few days, proving how controversial the tax is. The so-called ‘tampon tax’ demonstrates that these products are seen as ‘non-essential, luxury’ items which is utterly incorrect as they are a necessity to any menstruating human. Although the feminist movement is one that has been successfully developing in last decade with the attitude towards gender improving and bring us closer to reaching equality, society is clearly still for from equal. This issue may be subtle but has an incredibly large impact on us all, especially considering that almost half of the world’s population is female. Could the tampon tax is a modern example of sexism?
One issue that arises is the items that these female sanitary products are categories with, or more importantly not categorised with, which bring even further irrationality. Jaffa cakes, marshmallow tea cakes, and exotic meats such as crocodile are just a few items that are not taxed. It would be ridiculous if sanitary products, which are a female necessity, were taxed at the same rate as these items, let alone them being taxed at a much higher rate. Surely an essential for female health and safety should not have a tax higher than these blatantly luxurious items.
An additional problem is one that relates to the taboo nature of menstruation. Sanitary products are an essential requirement for any menstruating person’s health and comfort. What does one do in a situation where they cannot afford sanitary products? This is a common scenario which we see far too many females face. The fact that the subject of menstruation is still very taboo, and even embarrassing for some, devastatingly prevents those struggling ask for the appropriate help, perhaps financial related. Thankfully in many schools, sanitary products can be provided for free, however this only aids a very small number of people. As a result, some have to ‘free bleed’, which is the practice of abstaining from any sanitary products while menstruating. Although some choose to practice this, often for the idea of empowerment, it is not something that should be forced. It can provoke discomfort, hygiene problems and self confidence issues. Nobody should have to go through this due to an unequal society and an illogical tax.
There are many reasons why it is not as easy as it sounds to remove the tax on sanitary products, most of which link to EU regulations. Despite this, there have been political proposals to abolish the tax, however we are yet to see any definite plans. Regardless of what happens here, with the help of education on feminism to help remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and more petitions, protests and support on the matter, a change can occur. This modern example of sexism must stop.
Lily Wright Newstead Wood School
