Remove taxes on menstrual pads, physician begs FG

A Public Health Specialist, Mrs. Tonia Sodunke, has appealed to the Federal Government to remove taxes on menstrual pads to make them more accessible for girls, particularly those living in rural areas.

She made the call Thursday during an outreach on ‘Hygienic Menstrual Cycle’ and distribution of free pads to female students of Alabata Community High School, Alabata, a remote town in the Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The ‘Pad Up’ programme was held in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, and was jointly organised by a Non-governmental Organization, the Treasured Point of Light, and the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Center, which is a directorate of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.

The physician lamented that the prices of menstrual products are increasing due to economic hardship, and expressed worry that many young ladies can no longer afford it.

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Sodunke said girls living in remote areas are still using rags and pieces of clothes during their period, noting that such practice often leads to poor menstrual hygiene.

“Can the government remove the tax on these pads? If tax is removed from pads, it will make them cheaper and affordable.

“Somebody may frown at this, but it’s a plea. Can we consider removing tax from these menstrual products, and to a large extent, can we consider making provisions for rural areas like this? We can always have projects that can cover areas like this.

“We have the well-to-do in society, who do not know what to do with money. Forget that the dollar rate is high, subsidy removal and all that, people are still living well in this country. Can we make it a point of duty to always think about these other people?”

The President of TPOL, Mrs. Damilola Onebamhoin, said the programme was organised to give back to society with a targeted 500 girls in the Alabata community and other adjoining villages.

She encouraged the female students to always maintain good menstrual hygiene, and remain focused and dedicated to achieving their goals in life.

“You should always feel special and know that menstruation cannot stop you from reaching your goals,” Onebamhoin told the girls.