When answering the call to spread awareness around the ridiculous tax situation for period care in many US states, period care brands are uniting to make their voices heard. From demanding an end to the 21-state luxury tax on essential period products to driving organizations to make a change, these brands are fighting for a more equitable and affordable solution for menstrual health management in America. Read on to learn more about the campaign that’s taking the country by storm.
1. From Taxed to Treasured: Period Care Brands Unite to Support Women
Period care brands are fighting to remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and have become incredibly passionate about changing the way society views the monthly experience for women. Working to make period products more accessible and affordable, they have come together to make a difference in the lives of women everywhere.
- Combating Period Poverty – Period poverty is a global issue and through their experiences, these period care brands have seen the vast number of girls and women that struggle to afford basic sanitary products.
- Increasing Education – Working together, these period care brands are committed to raising the level of education and raising awareness of the causes and effects of menstrual health issues.
At the same time, these brands are aiming to make period products more available for all women by removing the “luxury tax” – a discriminatory tax placed on period products and on gender-specific products that do not apply to other household items. With their collaborative efforts, this group is working to ensure that period care products will become more accessible to women in all parts of the world.
2. 21 States Levy Luxury Tax on Feminine Hygiene Products
The notion of taxing menstrual hygiene products has been widely criticized as forming part of the so-called “tampon tax”. Several petitions have been signed by numerous women all over the country to abolish this tax, yet in 2021, 21 US states still have a luxury tax on feminine hygiene products. This includes the following:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
The tax on these products can range from 4 - 10%, depending on the state laws. While some states like Alabama and N ew Jersey deduct this tax, remaining states remain firm in their applicability of this ‘tampon tax’. Therefore, for those of us living in these states, a little extra effort may be needed to ensure that we are being charged correctly and paying a fair price for these products.
3. A Movement to End “Tampon Tax” Gains Momentum
For decades, there has been a tax on sanitary products around the world, referred to as the “tampon tax.” This tax has been criticized by feminists and human rights activists for being unfair and even sexist, as it targets one group over others. Recently, a movement to eliminate the tampon tax has gained momentum in many countries around the world.
Some of the ways people are taking action is by signing petitions, lobbying for legislative change, and spreading awareness. Supporters of the campaign believe that when the government eliminates the tax, it will lead to equality and recognition for women’s menstrual health needs. Here are the key elements of their effort:
- Difficult Talks: Being heard in the governments decision-making processes.
- Relentless Pressure: Taking action nationwide and raising the issue in the media.
- Progressive Policies: Awareness to challenge social stigmas, demand rights, and create a more equitable society.
For decades, groups have been fighting to end the tampon tax, and it looks like their efforts are finally translating into tangible results. Many countries have made the groundbreaking decision to eliminate the tax altogether, and there is growing pressure to do the same for remaining countries in the world. Hopefully, in the near future, tampon tax will just become a thing of the past.
4. Letting Women Know: Period Care is Essential, Not Luxury
- Empower & Educate – Women need to be better informed about all the aspects of periods; from the types of period products available and how to use them to menstrual hygiene. It’s important to educate women on the importance of taking care of their menstrual health, and encourage discussions on the topic, to break the stigma attached to periods.
- Offer Solutions – Women must know that period care is not a luxury, but an essential and thus should not be compromised on. There are period products and solutions available these days that can make life easier for women when having their periods, such as period panties, 100% organic cotton pads and tampons. Be sure to let your female friends, family, and acquaintances know, that you are here to support them with period products and solutions.
Organizations around the world are doing amazing work in promoting menstrual health and empowering women, but it’s not enough. We all have a role to play when it comes to period health awareness. It’s essential to create an environment of acceptance and understanding when it comes to talking about periods. Sharing advice and tips on proper menstrual health around the home and reaching out to younger generations on the subject can help remove the preconceived notions about periods, and emphasize the importance of proper menstrual health hygiene.
From providing educational resources and affordable menstrual health products, to supporting those who can’t even afford a sanitary pad – period care is an essential right. With the right ingredients, women of all ages can thrive and reach for bigger and better. Letting women know that they can rely on a steady supply of menstrual health products, and that they should never feel afraid or insecure about asking every question related to their menstrual health is the first step.
The revolution of period care is underway, and the changes in 21 states’ luxury tax policies is only the beginning. Manufacturers are taking this fight head-on, and with the unified backing of major period care brands, the future of this movement is looking brighter than ever.
