Today, the Chancellor announced that the 0% rate of VAT on women’s period products is to include period underwear. This statement is no small feat as campaigners have been actively fighting for an end to the period product tax for years. Here’s why this change matters 👇

The UN Human Rights (UNHDR) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency affirm that access to healthcare, education, and are human rights. Not having access to affordable period products undermines our ability to exercise each of these.

Even before the #CostOfLivingCrisis , it was estimated that more than 137,700 girls in the UK missed school annually because they couldn’t afford period products.

Bloody Good Period estimates the average lifetime cost of having a period amounts to £4,800. For low-income families who find it hard to afford even basic necessities, being able to afford menstrual products each month can be impossible.

Last year, ActionAid UK found that over 50% of girls in the UK said that they couldn't afford menstrual products at some point in the past year.

Period poverty is prevalent in both poor and rich countries, with millions of women and girls being held back and even endangered by not being able to afford basic menstrual care.

Several studies have found a causal link between between school absenteeism and a reduction in girls’ economic potential throughout their life course and impacts population health outcomes more broadly. A lack of education for girls can lead to a major loss in GDP nationally.

World Bank figures suggest that societies can profit from better menstruation management (including access to period products): with every 1% increase in the proportion of women with secondary education, a country’s per capita income grows by .3%.

Expanding the 0% rate of VAT to include period underwear means better access to period products for women & girls across our country.

HM Treasury’s announcement is a step in the right direction for women and girls, as well as the wider economy. There is so much more to do (e.g., requiring employers and schools alike to provide free period products) but today, I think it’s worth celebrating this win.

Special shoutout to the many campaigners who’ve steadfastly fought for this change. To name a few: Laura Coryton MBE M&S wukawear
#PeriodPoverty #TamponTax #WomensHealth #HealthEconomics #Education #AutumnStatement #autumnstatement2023