Beyond the Pink Tax: A Holistic Policy for Free Sanitary Essentials in India
Beyond the Pink Tax: A Holistic Policy for Free Sanitary Essentials in India “A woman’s dignity should not come at the cost of affordability.” These words from Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai resonate deeply in a country where millions of women face significant barriers to accessing basic menstrual hygiene. Menstruation, a natural biological process, is still entangled in stigma and financial hardship for many in India. According to UNICEF, nearly 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to a lack of menstrual hygiene facilities, highlighting the dire consequences of inaction. While removing the 12% GST on sanitary pads in 2018 was a step forward, it was merely the beginning. Former Indian Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan once stated, “Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it is a national public health concern.” A well-structured policy ensuring free sanitary essentials is not a matter of privilege but a fundamental right. A comprehensive strategy that p...