Theofelus puts sanitary pads in spotlight

INFORMATION deputy minister, Emma Theofelus,wants the tax charged on sanitary pads to be removed or reduced to 3%.

Theofelus yesterday tabled a motion in the National Assembly, saying there should be a tax exemption imposed on menstrual products.

“I ask that this matter be referred to the relevant standing committee and for the finance ministry to consider bringing an amendment to the tax laws relevant to this motion,” she said.

Theofelus on Friday told that as a volunteer and an advocate for young women to be safe, period poverty prevents this from happening.

“Period poverty is one of the undignifying processes women and young ladies have to experience. Your period is such a natural process and not something they can opt out of. There are not enough social and economic circumstances to create safety for young women,” she said.

The deputy minister said this motion adds to the voices of those who called for a similar steps a long time ago, both inside and outside of the National Assembly chamber.

She is set to motivate the motion next week.

A similar motion was introduced in 2016 by Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani, but parliamentarians shied away from discussing menstruation.

Venaani at the time said it is important to remind those who consider the issue a taboo that all matters that require developmental intervention are “the issues of MPs”.

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