Tax on tampons? Yes. Why? Because probably the 28.7 billion dollars that the menstrual hygiene industry does is not enough for the big corporations to take the profits out of woman’s blood. But then is when Bleed for You comes in to pay the tax for you this month of March.
NOTE: We are sorry to inform you that this brand is currently no longer available in the market. We keep this post available for your reference in case it helps for inspiration, as we showcase social + eco enterprises and impact brands that make a positive difference in the world.
Bleed for You is probably one of the most activist tampon brands, at least in Australia & New Zealand. Aside from being 100% organic (which is already a big thing to do!), it is also run by two females who deeply understand the injustices of the menstrual hygiene industry.
This month, in support of International Women’s Day and Share The Dignity’s, Bleed for you has decided to pay the taxes of the tampons for you.
#AXETHETAX SIGN PETITION HERE
In Australia, the Government treats tampons and pads as it was a luxury item. The report released by the Queensland Global Change Institute last year showed clearly that girls in remote communities were missing school because they could not afford tampons or pads. This fact is very common in many parts of the world, such as India, Africa among others. But, as we can see it also happens in over-developed countries like Australia, where poverty and homelessness forces women to choose between eating and having tampons. A total of 130 MILLION girls worldwide do not go to school every day due to menstruation.
‘The idea that the Australian government is trying to get extra revenue from women bleeding every month is unacceptable.’
Vanessa Alexander, co-founder of the organic tampon company.
The campaign #AxeTheTax, led by Bleed for You in collaboration with Share The Dignity’s, has decided to pay the 10% Tax (GST) during this month of March.
The reason for that, as Alexander declares, ‘We wanted to do something to draw attention to this. The tax is blatant discrimination against women. Condoms, lubricants, sunscreen are all untaxed because they’re necessities. How can tampons and pads be a luxury item? Anyone who has ever had a period knows it’s ridiculous.”
There are many issues and concerns about the menstruation issue, which we summarize in this 1-minute short video. Watch and spread the word!
For many women and girls under financial stress, meeting the monthly costs of their period makes it even worse. ACOSS released a report showing nearly 3 million Australians (many working) live below the poverty line. Poverty and homelessness force women to choose between eating and having tampons. Women are forced to use rags or wads of paper creating shame and risking their health through poor hygiene.
The organic tampon company ever since born is committed to giving 50% back, sharing today some of its profits with Share The Dignity, a charity that provides homeless women menstrual hygiene products.
Under the campaign #AxeTheTax, the federal petition aims to get 100,000 signatures by the end of March and force the government to address this inequality.
What do you think about all this? Have you signed the petition already?! Comment below and start a debate!
