PAN wants VAT exemption on menstrual hygiene products

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PAN Madeira held a press conference to mark the International Day of the Girl, in which Mónica Freitas raised awareness of the issue of menstrual poverty.

“This date was established by the United Nations in 2011 and aims to work on the 12 points of the Beijing Platform for Action for girls’ rights at various levels. Given that menstrual poverty is a problem and that it fits into these 12 points in the health area, involving the economic part of families with monthly expenses of around nine euros, which amounts to 5 thousand euros over a lifetime in the purchase of hygiene products menstrual period,” the party said in a statement.

The PAN also referred to a 2020 Study by the University of Minho which points out that menstrual poverty affects 17% of women in Portugal, however, there is little data on these matters, with a project approved by the Central Government in 2016 to carry out a study on the impact of prices on people’s lives and how it affects menstrual health.

”These matters have been widely discussed by the PAN in its various structures spread across the country, having presented in the AR in 2016 the proposal to reduce VAT to the minimum rate, thus ceasing to be considered a luxury good. In 2023 we presented a pilot project for the free distribution of sanitary pads in schools, universities and public health establishments, which this year was finally implemented across the mainland. PAN intends to combat this scourge and more than just free distribution in strategic locations, guarantee total exemption from VAT for the purchase of these products that are essential for the female public,” said PAN Madeira spokesperson, Mónica Freitas.

Taking advantage of the OE25 discussion, PAN Madeira, “in line with the national structure of the party, submitted a law proposal to the AR to the Regional Legislative Assembly to exempt VAT on these products”.

”The structures are united in order to give a voice to the female sex, represented by more than 50% of the Brazilian population, and guarantee equity in access to essential products such as menstrual hygiene products. Our proposal is to pressure the Government to act on public health policies that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of girls across the country.”

Like what happened at the continental level, the party argues that there must be a broad debate and awareness on issues of rights and equity with regard to women in the Region, not only regarding menstrual hygiene products, but also menstrual leaves, in cases of diseases such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.