LAHORE: Young lawyer and activist Mahnoor Omer’s fight against a heavy tax on sanitary pads has ignited a debate in society about the rights and well-being of women. Mahnoor has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging heavy taxation on sanitary pads. Her legal fight against the tax on sanitary pads has ignited debate as she vows to fight for the well-being of women.
She said, “If we have licenses to practice law, then why not use them to challenge the injustices women face every day?”
Her petition argues that menstrual hygiene products — essential for women’s health — are wrongly classified as luxury goods and subjected to excessive taxation. According to her, sanitary pads currently face up to a 40% tax burden, including 18% sales tax on locally manufactured items and 25% customs duties on imported materials.
Women’s Voices and Struggles
Mahnoor said she was driven by years of witnessing women suffer in silence. “Periods are a basic biological function that we don’t even teach our daughters about,” she noted. Despite online criticism, she remains determined, saying, “I am hopeful this case will help change mindsets and improve women’s health.”
Her petition has reignited the conversation on gender-based taxation and period poverty. Many women expressed support, highlighting how costly pads force difficult choices.
“When my period starts, I must choose between buying pads or milk for my children,” said a factory worker from Sheikhupura. A student in Lahore added that she often borrows pads because her allowance doesn’t cover them.
Doctors warn that unaffordability drives women toward unsafe substitutes like cloth or paper, leading to infections and missed classes.
Court Proceedings
The LHC has issued notices to the federal government, FBR, and other departments to submit replies. The next hearing is scheduled for early November.
