16-Year-Old Arjun Kaur Mittal calls on government to reinstate VAT exemption on sanitary pads

DODOMA: The founder of the HERNEEDS programme, Arjun Kaur Mittal, has called on the government to waive the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads to make them more affordable for students.

Arjun, a Tanzanian student currently pursuing further studies in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, emphasized that reducing the cost of sanitary pads would significantly improve their distribution among schoolgirls across the country, particularly those from impoverished families.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Tanzania Parliament, Dr. Tulia Ackson, in Dodoma, Arjun highlighted the high prices of sanitary pads as a major barrier preventing many schoolgirls from accessing them.

She noted that her own experience as a student inspired her to advocate for more affordable menstrual products.

Through the HERNEEDS initiative, which has been supported by both local and international donors, Arjun has been providing sanitary pads to schoolgirls in 33 secondary schools in Arusha over the past three years.

Dr. Ackson acknowledged the challenge posed by traders who inflate the prices of sanitary pads, even after the government had previously removed VAT on these essential products.

She noted that this malpractice undermines the government’s efforts to make sanitary pads more affordable for students.

The Speaker praised Arjun’s efforts and the success of the HERNEEDS initiative.

Accompanied by her father, Atul Mittal, the Director of Mount Meru Petroleum and Millers, Arjun was commended for her dedication to supporting menstrual health among Tanzanian schoolgirls.

Dr. Ackson also urged other students to follow Arjun’s example of social responsibility.

In response to Arjun’s plea, Dr. Ackson assured her that Parliament would continue advocating for the reinstatement of the VAT exemption on sanitary products.

ALSO READ: Youngest Jain Girl in Dar es Salaam achieves fasting milestone

She expressed optimism that this would enhance access to sanitary pads, thereby minimizing disruptions to girls’ education due to menstrual challenges.

The government is currently reviewing VAT policies on essential goods, including sanitary pads, with the aim of ensuring all students can access these products, enabling them to focus on their education without hindrance.