of revenue for states with smaller economies. In June 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, called for the state to spend $50 million to buy bulletproof shields for school police. Time and time again, elected officials have shown that protecting women has never been at the forefront of their agendas. Eradicating the period tax is necessary for this country to move forward in its path toward equity for all. Access to menstrual health is not simply a women’s issue — it’s a public health issue. Every person in America, regardless of their race, income, or sex, should have the ability to purchase necessary goods without an additional tax being imposed. Menstrual products should be affordable, and with it, we need to support increased education, reduction of harmful gender norms, and adequate water and sanitation facilities where those who menstruate live (news flash: we’re everywhere). There is hope. In June 2019, the founders of the reproductive health brand Lola partnered with the nonprofit organization Period Equity to create the campaign “Tax-Free. Period.” Their goal was to inform citizens about the radical pink tax and ask them to join in the movement to eradicate it. On the campaign’s website, users can navigate an interactive map, which shows not only which states continue to uphold the tax, but also which items are tax-free in those same states. For example, the map shows that gun club memberships in Wisconsin are not taxed, while tampons
are. Once again, the government has shown who and what they prioritize: namely, rich, white, cis men. In 2022, CVS became the first major retailer to help combat the government’s “pink” tax. The corporation announced that it would pay the tax for customers in 12 states. Additionally, it announced a 25% markdown on all CVS-branded period products. When major businesses take action to protect their consumers, it is not only a sign that they care about their users, but their communities as well. When individuals can safely access menstrual products, they can go to school, work, and participate in their neighborhoods as productive citizens. As we continue to fight for the elimination of the period tax, more companies should fight to protect their consumers, government elected officials should ban the period tax, and period poverty should be eradicated. Just as razors aren’t luxury goods for men, women shouldn’t be luxury goods for
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neha Ali, a second-year student at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, is deeply committed to global advocacy for women’s health. Recognizing the significance of this issue, she aims to address the pervasive impact of women’s health on individuals, families, workplaces, and governments. With a focus on the Sociomedical Sciences and a certificate in Child, Youth, and Family Health, Neha endeavors to contribute to the ongoing fight for gender equality and public health. Her work seeks to empower individuals, dismantle barriers, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
11 SECONDS MAGAZINE |15
