Sanitary products are a necessity. Yet women across nine African countries are struggling to access them, a BBC investigation reveals. 'Period poverty' isn't a rarity. Many women are forced to resort to using toilet paper as makeshift pads.
Joyce resorted to using toilet paper as makeshift pads, but when that proved unsustainable, she says she felt out of options and gave in to sexual demands in return for cash for pads. But Joyce's struggle is just one among many.
Tampon tax refers to the different types of taxes imposed on feminine hygiene products, including period products such as pads, menstrual cups and may include sales tax, VAT and others. In South Africa, Nokuzola Ndwandwe, a menstrual hygiene activist, has been working to get VAT scrapped on period products since 2014. In April 2019, she managed a "monumental victory" when the government scrapped the 15% value added tax on sanitary pads and announced free sanitary towels in public schools.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
All-women team revving up to represent SA in continental motocross contestAn all-women team from South Africa will compete against riders from across Africa at the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations in Cape Town at the weekend.
Read more »
West Africa: Niger Junta Rejects African, UN Mission - LetterThe West African bloc (ECOWAS), the African Union and the UN had proposed a mission to the Nigerien capital Niamey. ECOWAS has threatened military intervention if ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated.
Read more »
West Africa: Niger Junta Rejects African, UN Diplomatic MissionThe African Union, the West African bloc ECOWAS and the UN had planned a joint diplomatic mission to Niamey. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu says diplomacy is "the way forward," but didn't rule out military intervention.
Read more »
East African Breweries averts forex losses in volatile Kenyan market - The Africa Report.comBy renegotiating contracts, EABL_PLC reduced forex losses to 2.1% to year-end June 2023 and has increased forex reserves, making it stronger amid financial volatility in the region. Kenya
Read more »
The 10 Best African Films of 2023…so far - The Africa Report.comKenya: In 'Shimoni', this accomplished debut feature by editor turned director Angela Wanjiku Wamai, a former schoolteacher, Geoffrey (the stellar Justin Mirichii) struggles to reintegrate into society after he is released from prison. Report by drwill20
Read more »