This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
On December 11, 2019, the Rwandan government made a significant move to improve the lives of its citizens, particularly women and girls, by scrapping a tax on sanitary pads.
The 18% value-added tax (VAT) on sanitary pads has been removed, making them more affordable for the population.
According to the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion-Rwanda, the decision was made to ease the financial burden on women and girls who rely on these essential products.
Activists have long argued that the cost of sanitary pads has made them inaccessible to many, particularly in rural areas, where women and girls often rely on reusable cloth pads.
Women's activist Saidath Murorunkwere stated, "For many girls and women, especially in rural areas, the cost of the pads is too high. Many still rely on reusable cloth pads."
She added that this is risky because women are more likely to get infections.
Reproductive health activist Aline Berabose told the BBC that girls in poor families often miss school when they are on their periods because they cannot afford the pads.
