In a country like Uganda, where access to essential resources is often limited, the imposition of taxes on menstrual products is not just an economic issue but a matter of social justice. My name is Birungi Jackline, a 21-year-old Ugandan social entrepreneur and co-founder of She Deserves Uganda. If I don’t speak up about this, who will?
Uganda’s tax system has provisions for exemptions and zero-rating on certain products, primarily to stimulate economic growth, support specific sectors, or achieve social objectives like agricultural inputs. These policies are designed to uplift the economy and ensure that essential goods and services are accessible to all. However, when it comes to menstrual products, these essential items are treated as luxury goods, subject to taxation, which creates a significant barrier for many women and girls in our society.
Access to menstrual products should never be a privilege; it should be a basic right for all women and girls.
Jackline Birungi
Menstrual products are not a luxury; they are a necessity for the health and well-being of women and girls. Yet, by taxing these products, the government imposes an undue financial burden on menstruators, disproportionately affecting women and girls from low-income backgrounds. This practice is not just discriminatory; it constitutes economic violence against women. It forces many to resort to unhygienic alternatives like rags, leaves, or old newspapers, which can lead to serious health issues such as infections.
The economic barriers created by these taxes also have far-reaching effects on education and employment. Girls who cannot afford menstrual products often miss school during their periods, leading to absenteeism and, in some cases, dropping out altogether. This cycle perpetuates gender inequality, limiting opportunities for women and girls to achieve their full potential.
As a society, we must question why essential hygiene products are taxed while other items receive exemptions. The answer lies in systemic inequalities that undervalue the needs of women and girls. It is time for us to advocate for change and push for tax exemptions on menstrual products. By doing so, we can support the health and dignity of all women and girls, ensuring they have access to the products they need to manage their menstrual health safely and effectively.
This is not just a fight for economic justice; it is a fight for gender equality and empowerment. We must stand together to demand that our government recognizes the importance of menstrual health and takes the necessary steps to remove these unjust taxes. Only then can we create a society where women and girls are free from the economic barriers that hinder their access to essential health products.
Let us raise our voices and push for the change we want to see. Let’s advocate for tax exemptions on menstrual products to support the health and dignity of all women and girls. Together, we can make a difference.
