Friday 14-12-2018 - 13:25

 

 

Period Poverty is the lack of accessibility to sanitary products due to financial constraints and yes, it is still an issue in 2018.

Many people with periods may be lucky enough to not give a second thought about how they will combat it when it comes, but for others, it’s a monthly battle. Period poverty predominantly affects people from low-income backgrounds, and they may miss lessons for several days every month. Those 5 to 7 days can result in missing vital learning, attendance warnings and falling behind in their studies — all from something they cannot control. This is not something that people in the UK should be grappling with, having to choose between their education or their period.

Last year, I worked closely with the team at The Union to see how much it would cost to absorb the tax on sanitary products and to sell at cost price. We had a massive win and managed to achieve this…but this was only the beginning!

The Union has made a commitment to support this basic human right. I’m thrilled to announce that we will now stock FREE sanitary products in our female and gender neutral toilets across both Manchester and Crewe.

People with periods will no longer have to choose between their degree and something beyond their control.

If you are in need or ever caught off guard, please use them. If you’re able to, give back and replace products.

Sanitary products are classed as a ‘luxury item’, alongside helicopters and crisps (yep — tampons are taxed but Doritos aren’t!)

You use this handy link to calculate how much on average you might have spent on sanitary products in your lifetime.

Although sanitary product tax is the lowest it’s ever been since the UK first introduced the tax they are still taxed the same amount as solar panels and nicotine patches. While the government cannot legally remove the tax yet on sanitary products under European law, over £1m can be requested from charities to fund women’s charities to aid tackle period poverty, improve mental health and wellbeing, and stop violence against women and girls.

If you want to get in touch about this issue, or any other cause you’re passionate about, please do! Just click on our faces to find our details.

We want to campaign on the things that matter to you.

Amie x