By Ludovica Incalza
Imagine being charged extra simply for having a body that menstruates. Sounds unfair, right? Yet across much of the world, this is exactly what’s happening. This injustice is called the “pink tax,” a term used to describe the higher prices placed on products marketed toward women
Tampons and pads are still taxed as non-essential items in many parts of the world. Menstrual products are not luxury items, but many governments still treat them as such by taxing them while exempting other items like candy, razors, and even Viagra. The result? Millions of menstruating individuals are forced to pay more for a biological function they didn’t choose, and for many, that extra cost leads directly to period poverty.
What is the Pink Tax?
The pink tax isn’t an official government tax. Instead, it refers to the price difference between products marketed toward women and those marketed toward men, even when the products are nearly identical. Think of items like razors, shampoo, clothing–many of these are priced higher simply because they’re “for women.”
When it comes to menstrual products, the impact is even more severe. Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and liners are essential health items, yet they are often subject to sales tax, also known as the “tampon tax.” This kind of pricing policy unfairly suggests that people who menstruate and create additional financial strain, especially on low-income individuals, students, and the unhoused.
Global and National Impact
According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, nearly one in four U.S. students struggles to afford period products. The UNICEF estimates that at least 500 million people globally lack access to basic menstrual hygiene resources, and part of that barrier comes from cost.
Although some countries, such as Kenya, India, Canada, and Australia, have eliminated the tampon tax, others continue to tax these products as if they’re luxuries. In the United States, as of 2024, 21 states still tax menstrual products, despite growing public pressure to change this outdated policy.
These costs add up. According to Bloomberg, the average menstruating person in the U.S. will spend more than $18,000 over a lifetime on period-related costs, including products, pain relief, and even additional clothing. This pink tax significantly contributes to this financial burden.
Gender Equity Issue
It’s a form of gender-based economic discrimination. It reinforced the idea that women and people who menstruate must bear additional financial burdens simply for existing in their natural bodies. Additionally, it limits educational opportunities and perpetuates gendered poverty cycles. When students don’t have access to period products, they miss class. When workers can’t afford supplies, they miss shifts. The long-term consequences are damaging.
What Needs to Change and How You Can Help
Menstruation isn’t a choice, as women experience a struggle that shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury, and definitely should never serve as a shame or a financial burden. Most people are unfamiliar with the pink tax and view it as a quiet injustice, but the louder we speak up, the closer we get to a world where menstrual health is treated with the fairness and dignity it deserves. Awareness and action can occur, and change can be initiated through signing petitions to eliminate the tampon tax in your country or state, supporting organizations like Period Equity, The Pad Project, and Free the Period. Additionally, you can speak up at your school or in your community to push for free menstrual products in bathrooms. Moreover, spreading awareness on social media is a great way to initiate change and educate those around you.
Menstruation is not a luxury–it’s a reality. The pink tax may be a quiet injustice, but by speaking up, educating others, and pushing for systemic change, we can take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and compassionate world.