President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that his government will remove all taxes on sanitary products, a landmark policy aimed at improving women’s health, dignity, and quality of life.

The Head of State made the declaration on Sunday while addressing a massive election rally in Bath, Region Five, noting that the measure will complement the ongoing Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady.

“We have to invest in your security and your quality of life. We have to invest in your dignity and honour… we have decided in our manifesto that we are going to remove all taxes on sanitary supply,” President Ali told the gathering.

TACKLING MENSTRUAL INEQUALITY

Launched in 2021, the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges surrounding menstrual health management in Guyana. A 2021 Ministry of Education study revealed that about one-third of female secondary school students struggle to access or afford sanitary pads — a barrier that often leads to missed classes and educational setbacks.

By promoting menstrual equity, the initiative aims to normalise conversations around menstruation, empower girls, and guarantee access to essential hygiene products regardless of age, economic status, or location.

Since its inception, the programme has secured funding for the distribution of sanitary pads to approximately 3,200 schoolgirls across the country. The removal of taxes, President Ali said, will further reduce barriers and ensure affordability for all women and girls.

The policy forms part of the PPP/C government’s broader commitment to improving the quality of life for women, fostering equality, and ensuring that no student’s education is disrupted due to a lack of basic hygiene products.