STOP TAXING SANITARY PRODUCTS – CUTS

THE Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) has called on the Government to consider affecting TAX exemptions on sanitary products in order to create a fair and just economic environment for women and girls.

Speaking to The Scoop, CUTS Programs Assistant Janet Namute, said tax free sanitary towels were essential to make them affordable and make it easy for them to be given out for free in many schools and communities, after many submissions and campaigns carried out.

“Girls will be able to go to school and attend class without excuses, a way of promoting gender equality,” Ms. Namute said.

She said it was unfortunate to learn that in Zambia, menstrual hygiene products were not affordable to many women and girls who were the main consumers.

She explained that CUTS had been advocating for Fiscal Justice for Women and Girls and that as the country celebrated the women’s month, removing taxes on menstrual hygiene products would be one way of appreciating the contributions women were making towards national development.

“Menstrual hygiene products, such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, are essential for the well-being and hygiene of women and girls. Taxing menstrual hygiene products disproportionately affects women and girls,” she explained.

She stated that such taxation contributed to gender inequality by placing an additional financial burden on those who already faced economic challenges related to the gender pay gap and other factors.

She stated that exemptions on sanitary pads were crucial as they helped alleviate the financial burden on women and girls during that time of the month.

“Knowing very well that menstruation is not a choice, exempting menstrual hygiene products from taxes will empower women and girls who menstruate to manage their periods with dignity and affordability.

“We need Zero unnecessary taxes on women that prevent them from having a sustainable income” she said.