The Pink Tax refers to the higher prices charged for products and services marketed towards women compared to similar products for men. This phenomenon, observed globally and in India, represents a form of gender-based economic discrimination that affects women's financial well-being.
The Pink Tax is an informal term for the additional cost women incur for goods and services. These include clothing, personal care items, and hygiene products. The price differences often arise not from material costs but from gender-based marketing strategies.
In India, studies reveal that personal care products like deodorants and skincare items for women are priced higher than similar male products. This significant economic impact means that over a lifetime, a woman may pay thousands of rupees more due to gender-based pricing.
Countries like Canada, Australia, and several European nations have reduced or eliminated taxes on menstrual hygiene products. Although India removed GST on sanitary pads in 2018, other gendered pricing disparities persist.
Companies justify the higher prices for women's products through perceived demand, marketing costs, and product differentiation. However, critics argue that this reflects an unfair economic burden on women.
Conclusion: The Pink Tax is a hidden economic barrier that disproportionately impacts women, increasing their cost of living. While the removal of GST on sanitary products marks progress, gendered pricing remains a concern in personal care, clothing, and other sectors. Greater awareness and policy interventions are essential to address this inequality. Economic equality extends beyond wages and also involves ensuring fair prices for all.
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