In a resolute stand against the imposition of taxes on sanitary pads, Jocelyn Tetteh, Member of Parliament for North Dayi, has emerged as a vocal advocate for women’s rights. Describing it as a “tax on women,” she argues that such measures disproportionately affect female citizens and raises concern about their overall quality of life in Ghana.
Speaking exclusively to AGN news, the legislator voiced her staunch opposition to the taxation of sanitary pads, underscoring the profound impact it has on women. She highlighted the alarming disparity in taxation between essential products, such as condoms, and sanitary pads. Expressing her bewilderment, she pointed out, “The number of people that use condoms may be more than the number of people that use pads, but condoms… I don’t know how much tax the government is able to generate or the amount of revenue that the government is able to generate from using condoms.”
She emphasized the unjustifiable imposition of taxing sanitary pads, shedding light on the contradiction in taking taxes from citizens under the guise of promoting their well-being, only to impose financial burdens by means of different forms of taxation. “We don’t necessarily have to eat everything to get satisfied,” she asserted passionately. “We are taking these taxes from the people so we can use them for their well-being. However, now you are draining them and sending it back to them in a different form. So we are saying that instead of taxing us, do not tax us, let us find a way to buy our own sanitary pads.”
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With her unwavering determination, Jocelyn Tetteh champions a vision of providing affordable and accessible sanitary pads for women, rather than burdening them with additional financial constraints. She calls for an alternative approach that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of women, urging the government to explore means to ensure that women can purchase sanitary pads without facing undue financial strain.
The issue of sanitary pad taxation has gained prominence as activists and advocates rally behind the cause, asserting that it perpetuates gender inequality and undermines progress in menstrual health and hygiene.
Source: Deborah Dzivenu/AGN news
