VAT-free pads take effect but period poverty remains

The removal of the 15% value-added tax on sanitary pads in force since January 2023 was hailed as a breakthrough for menstrual equity in Namibia.

But advocates say period poverty remains widespread, especially among schoolgirls and low-income families.

Menstrual health advocate Taljard Uaputauka, founder of Safe Pad Namibia, joins Desert FM to argue that tax relief alone is not enough.