Fijian families are facing challenges accessing sanitary pads, even with tax exemptions, according to Nalini Singh, the Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement. At the recent “Let’s Talk Period” festival in Suva, Singh highlighted how high import costs prevent many low-income and rural households from obtaining menstrual products.
While sanitary pads are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), importation expenses keep prices unattainable for numerous families. Singh pointed out that alternative products, like menstrual cups, also carry a significant price tag, and transitioning to reusable items requires ongoing expenditures for cleaning supplies, which can add to the financial burden. She emphasized the importance of properly maintaining these products to prevent health risks, explaining, “You do need to use detergent, soap, things that get rid of bacteria; otherwise, you risk serious infections.”
Singh also mentioned the varied needs of women at different stages of life, such as perimenopause, asserting that this requires a greater diversity of menstrual products. In collaboration with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is investigating the potential of reusable pads as a cost-effective and sustainable solution. Abdul Hussain, a sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence analyst for UNFPA, shared that rural women are particularly interested in reusable options, reflecting a demand for better access to affordable menstrual health products.
Additionally, there is a push towards developing locally made, eco-friendly absorbent materials using natural fibers like banana and bamboo. This initiative aims not only to improve accessibility but also to promote environmental sustainability.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed every May 28, serves as a reminder of the critical nature of menstrual hygiene management. It is vital to foster dialogue around these issues to enhance women’s health and empowerment in Fiji.
In summary, Singh’s insights and ongoing efforts highlight the need for increased support and innovation regarding menstrual health products in Fiji, aiming to create a future where all women have access to affordable and safe menstrual hygiene solutions.
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