Title: The Fight to End Taxes on Menstrual Products in Pakistan In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of menstrual health and hygiene worldwide. However, many countries still struggle with providing access to affordable sanitary products for women and girls. In Pakistan, a country where only about one in 10 girls and women use commercially manufactured period supplies, activists like Bushra Mahnoor are fighting against the taxation of menstrual pads as luxury goods. Growing up with limited access to sanitary products herself, Mahnoor knows all too well the challenges faced by many young girls in Pakistan who must resort to using rags or cloths due to financial constraints and lack of availability. This not only leads to health risks but also perpetuates a cycle of shame and stigma surrounding menstruation. In 2025, Mahnoor’s nonprofit organization, Mahwari Justice, collected over 10,000 signatures for a petition urging the government to remove the luxury tax on menstrual products. This move was seen as an essential step towards breaking down barriers and providing equal access to hygiene solutions for all women in Pakistan. The historical context of this issue highlights how periods have long been considered taboo subjects, leading to a lack of education about menstruation and its importance in maintaining good health. As more countries recognize the need for comprehensive sex education and accessible period products, it is crucial that we continue supporting advocates like Bushra Mahnoor who are working tirelessly to end these outdated practices. The potential implications of removing the luxury tax on menstrual products extend beyond just providing better access to sanitary items; they also contribute significantly to reducing stigma and promoting gender equality in society. By empowering women with proper education about their bodies, we can help break down barriers that have existed for generations. In conclusion, the fight against taxing menstrual pads as luxury goods is not only essential but also a significant step towards achieving global gender equality. As more countries recognize the importance of addressing period poverty and promoting comprehensive sex education, it is crucial to support advocates like Bushra Mahnoor who are fighting for change in Pakistan and beyond.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/15/g-s1-104702/menstrual-health-pads-luxury-tax-pakistan)
#this
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!