Photo courtesy of AFP
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The measure of any society is how it treats its women.” This statement emphasizes the critical role women’s wellbeing plays in societal progress. The life of women in a country can serve as a mirror reflecting its true development. While Sri Lankan society and much of South Asia reveres mothers as the “goddesses of the house,” it often neglects to treat these “goddesses” with the care and dignity they deserve. Women are seen as guardians of stability, silently bearing difficulties and supporting their families during tough times. Yet, when women face challenges, particularly related to their health and hygiene, their needs are often overlooked.
In Sri Lanka, women play a pivotal role in economic growth. Nearly 58% of the country’s foreign remittance comes from women workers in the Middle East while the tea and rubber industries rely heavily on women and the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are powered by female laborers which bring over 70% of the export income. Despite making up 51.6% of the total population, women frequently face discomfort and indignity due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene facilities, compounded by cultural stigmas and the high cost of hygiene products
Menstrual hygiene remains both stigmatized and prohibitively expensive. Over the years, the tax rate on sanitary products has fluctuated significantly. Before 2018, an astronomical 101.2% tax made sanitary pads a luxury item. Although the rate dropped to 62.6% in late 2018, further reductions were slow and insufficient, with rates at 52% in 2019 and 53.62% in 2021. A marginal relief in April 2022 brought the tax down to 42.8%, and by April 2023, it was lowered to 25.6%. However, this remains high compared to other South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh, which levy zero tax on sanitary pads. African nations such as Kenya and South Africa have also abolished taxes on menstrual products, setting a global standard for equitable access.
The high cost of menstrual products places a significant burden on Sri Lankan families. A packet of sanitary pads costs at least Rs.270 with most women requiring at least two packets per month. For households earning an average monthly salary of Rs.45,000 or less, especially those with multiple women, this expense becomes unsustainable. Families reliant on daily wages face even greater struggles, often forced to prioritize basic needs over menstrual hygiene. As the UN reports, 40% of the households with women of menstruating age cannot afford for sanitary pads. The consequences are dire: 50-60% of girls miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products, leading to absenteeism and in some cases school dropouts. This perpetuates a cycle of limited opportunities for women and hampers national development.
Cultural stigmas further complicate menstrual hygiene management. While reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads are promoted as cost-effective solutions, resistance persists due to taboos and lack of awareness. Even in workplaces where sanitary products are provided, women encounter discomfort and harassment. Female workers in the Northern Province report being subjected to jokes or inappropriate remarks from male supervisors when requesting sanitary products, deterring them from accessing these necessities.
In the garment sector, poor working conditions exacerbate women’s health challenges. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures near machinery has led to miscarriages, underscoring the urgent need for improved workplace standards and hygiene facilities. (These facts are based on a discussion with the FTZ women leaders in 2023.)
Sri Lanka’s high tax rate on menstrual products and inadequate support for menstrual hygiene starkly contrast with global best practices. South Asian neighbors such as India and Bangladesh have eliminated taxes on sanitary pads, ensuring affordability and accessibility. African countries such as Kenya abolished taxes on menstrual products in 2004 and introduced free pads in schools. South Africa followed suit in 2019 by removing VAT on menstrual products. Sri Lanka lags behind, ranking 115th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023. This reflects significant inequalities in health, education and economic participation, emphasizing the need for urgent reform.
Globally, countries are recognizing the importance of prioritizing women’s sexual and reproductive health. For instance Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Zambia and Spain have introduced menstrual leave policies to allow women to take time off work during menstruation, acknowledging the physical discomfort and mental toll it can take. Such initiatives reflect a progressive approach to supporting women’s health and wellbeing, setting an example that Sri Lanka should follow to foster gender equality.
The government has made progress in some areas such as from 2017 introducing the HPV vaccine for girls in Grade 6 to prevent cervical cancer. However, menstrual hygiene remains underfunded. In 2023, only Rs.200 million was allocated to women’s health – a fraction of what is needed to address widespread challenges. With a new government in place there is hope for meaningful change. This administration must prioritize menstrual hygiene as a critical issue, implementing policies that address both immediate needs and long term solutions.
To ensure the wellbeing of Sri Lankan women and, by extension, the nation’s progress, targeted interventions are essential. First, the government must eliminate the remaining 25.6% tax on sanitary pads, bringing Sri Lanka in line with global standards and making these essential items affordable for all women. Subsidies for menstrual products should be introduced with free distribution in schools, workplaces and underserved areas. Comprehensive education campaigns are crucial to combat stigmas, promote reusable alternatives and educate both men and women about menstrual health.
Workplace policies must be strengthened to protect women from harassment and improve hygiene facilities, particularly in sectors such as tea, rubber and garments. Budget allocations for women’s health and hygiene must be significantly increased, ensuring sustainable solutions for menstrual hygiene management. The new government’s commitment to addressing these issues will be a testament to its dedication to equality and development.
Organizations such as the Family Planning Association (FPA) and several other non-governmental bodies have been instrumental in providing support to enhance sexual and reproductive health. Their efforts range from increasing awareness to distributing essential hygiene products and promoting health education in underserved communities. While these organizations play a significant role, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs must take a more proactive and leading stance. Greater governmental intervention is needed to address the systemic barriers women face, ensuring comprehensive policies, increased budget allocations and effective implementation of programs that prioritize women’s sexual and reproductive health as a cornerstone of national development.
Menstruation is a natural and essential biological process, playing a crucial role in the continuation of life on earth. It is an integral part of human reproduction yet it is often surrounded by stigma and discomfort. While menstruation is inevitable, cultivating a culture that supports comfortable and healthy menstrual practices is essential. Ensuring that women and girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene and care not only safeguards their wellbeing but also fosters societal progress. As former US First Lady Michelle Obama noted, “Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” A world that prioritizes and nurtures the health of women benefits all, creating a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.