Do you ever think about how much a period costs? Women living in poverty have to think about it, and sometimes have to choose between pads or tampons and food or electricity. Not only do manufacturers make around 60% even before the retailers add their profit margin, but the UK government adds VAT to this insult to women, judging their monthly needs to be ‘non-essential’ in VAT law.

Edinburgh Women for Independence and our sister organisations in East Lothian and Midlothian think this situation is bad enough for those who can afford period products but completely shameful for poor women and girls.  We want to raise £1000 to put pads and tampons in every food bank in Edinburgh.

The government should stop adding VAT to sanitary items and recognise them as ‘essential items’ in the same way as food. That would save most women around £1 per period – you might not think that is a lot, but if so, it’s because you aren’t in these women’s shoes. VAT is added to luxury items, but sanitary products are a necessity! Why are women and girls being taxed unfairly? We don't pay VAT on going to the bingo, on crocodile & ostrich meat, on a wee Tunnock's teacake, on a box of herbal teabags, or on edible cake decorations! Which do you think is more essential than sanitary products?

It's a global issue

Periods and poverty are keeping women and girls away from education and economic independence around the world. Many girls are missing from school during their periods because their family cannot afford sanitary towels. 

There will be girls in Scotland not attending school because their parents haven't been able to afford sanitary towels for them. This will be kept a secret and won't be showing up on any statistical explanations for school absences. Pads and tampons  are not provided in girls’ toilets at school alongside free soap, paper, towels and toilet paper, instead girls face the humiliating task of asking at the school office for help.

It's an equality issue

Women are bearing 85% of the financial burden of austerity policies in this country, and women are going to food banks every day to feed themselves and their families.  The least we can do is make sure that they can get supplies for their periods as well as food.  Periods are a natural part of girls and women's lives, and should never be seen as a source of embarrassment. It certainly should not isolate, oppress or shame girls and women. 

Help us help, please!