Women are bearers of pain and suffering for many reasons, most of them are not in their hands. Menstrual flow also called as a period is a biological process which happens every month where in there is shedding of the thin lining of the uterus preparing a woman for possible motherhood.
Today we talk about outright topics like equality, feminism, women empowerment still we are not bothered to take actions for their basic needs. Still women all across the globe struggle and fight for their fundamental rights.
Globally women have to pay a high amount of taxes even for basic hygiene products during their periods. The UK, France and Cyprus had their taxes reduced by 5%. In the last 2-3 years Lithuania, Poland and Czech Republic have joined them in applying at the same rate Germany also slashed its tax to 7% from 19%.
A Big Step
SCOTLAND has made a historic decision as on Monday it will become the first country in the world to ensure universal access to free period products following the landmark legislation in 2020.
The Scottish government made a statement on Sunday , that all councils and educational providers will have to make all period products free of cost to anyone who needs them.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robinson said, “ Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them.” She further added , “We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such an action”.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also appreciated the reform. She said , “Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them”.
Status In India
Till 2017 India was charging 12% GST on sanitary pads , which is a basic necessity for female hygiene during their menstrual flow. After a lot of criticism in 2018 all taxes were exempted for sanitary pads by the finance ministry in their budget.
Even today in our country a huge population of females in rural and urban areas do not have the access to basic menstrual hygiene. It is high time now that we start working on these basic issues also.
Providing hygienic and healthy surroundings to all is the responsibility of the government. Women should not pay for something which is a necessity for them.
Read More – Guide to What to Eat During Periods
