Avatar photo

By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


30% of SA learners miss school when menstruating

This is according to research by Stellenbosch University's Law Clinic, who have called for an end to taxes for feminine hygiene products.


Stellenbosch University (SU) Law Clinic has found that about 30% of girls in South Africa do not attend school when they are menstruating because they cannot afford sanitary products, News24 has reported.

The clinic has called for an end to taxes on tampons and other hygiene products.

Research conducted by the clinic has led to the submission of a list of what products should be VAT-free to the National Treasury, following a call for these submissions as the current list of VAT-free items is being reviewed.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene last month amended the terms of reference for the independent inquiry into these items.

READ MORE: Mpumalanga schoolgirls to get free sanitary pads

While previously only food items have been allowed to be included – with 19 basic food items on the currently VAT-free list – the SU Law Clinic is among those calling for essential non-food items such as women’s sanitary products to be included.

Poor‚ vulnerable and marginalised women and girls often cannot afford essential hygeine products, the clinic’s research has found.

“They are forced to turn to alternative options that are mostly unhygienic and pose serious health risks,” said a statement released by the clinic.

“The fact that many girls and women cannot afford proper sanitary hygiene products has further serious consequences in other aspects of their lives.”

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.