Fight for free tampons

Many women may not have considered it before, but we fork about quite a bit of money every single month on periods.

Both feminist societies at Northumbria and Newcastle Universities are now challenging this and campaigning at their Student Unions to receive free menstrual care, regarding it as a serious health issue.

The campaign strives to “combat the financial inequality”. Menstrual care items, including tampons and pads, currently have a 5 per cent tax on them as they are viewed as luxury items, while men’s razors are left untaxed.

periods can be expensive

The president of Newcastle’s Feminist Society, Lucy Morgan, spoke to The Tab: “The fact that people who have periods have to pay for menstrual products adds to financial inequality. Free Periods @ NUSU is part of a bigger campaign to combat the luxury tax on menstrual products.”

A petition that Newcastle’s feminist society started just a couple of days ago has already received 159 supporters.

“Just because this is the social norm, it doesn’t mean that it’s right. Don’t just let this happen – join us in our fight for Free Periods @ NUSU! Support from everyone, regardless of whether you have periods or not, is appreciated.”

Northumbria University are still in the process of presenting a motion to the Students Union in regards to this campaign. Roy Blewitt is currently writing the motion to be put forward at the next Union Council. It seems the whole of the Northumbria Feminist Society are fully behind the campaign.

You can sign the petition here.