Advocating for Affordability: The Story of Menstrual Hygiene Product Tax Advocacy in Four Countries

There is growing advocacy momentum behind the reduction or removal of taxes on menstrual hygiene (MH) products to increase affordability, expand the number of women and girls who can regularly purchase them, and ultimately advance gender equity. This paper examines how advocacy contributed to MH tax policy changes in four low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Drawing on literature and interviews with key stakeholders, the case studies document the country landscape on MH products, tax advocacy efforts, decision-making around the tax policy change, and results of the policy. This paper further identifies commonalities and key insights on tax advocacy across countries, as well as recommendations for donor investment.