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Browsing School of Accountancy (ETDs) by Author "Asmaljee, Sumaiyah Safi"

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    An examination of tampon tax and how it effects the social, health and economical aspects of countries including a comparative analysis of how some countries have dealt with tampon tax
    (2019) Asmaljee, Sumaiyah Safi
    Tampon tax is a colloquial term in common usage describing taxes levied on female menstrual hygiene products that are taxed as luxury goods in spite of the fact these items are considered necessities such as food and medicine, which are either exempted or taxed at 0% in some countries. Tampon tax in South Africa is the levying of value-added tax (VAT), to female menstrual hygiene products. Internationally, activists have initiated various campaigns and protests for the removal of tampon tax as it is not regarded as a luxury but rather a necessity, and South Africa has followed suit. There have been various campaigns and initiatives towards making female menstrual hygiene products more affordable and/ or accessible to the females from low-income households in South Africa. Reduction in sales tax rates, removal of goods and services tax on female menstrual hygiene products and the utilisation of the income earned from sales tax on female menstrual hygiene products are options available to negate the economic effects of tampon tax on females in their reproductive years. This paper discusses tampon tax and its effect on social, health and the economic well-being of South Africa. The paper will include comparative analyses to what is being done in some countries to alleviate the negative effects of the tampon tax. This paper will also examine the value-added tax in South Africa. Arguments in favour of and against tampon tax are also discussed.