Tackling barriers & far-reaching social benefits

Access to essential sanitary products remains a critical issue with profound social and economic implications. In a recent clarification, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo outlined the Government’s intention to remove Common External Tariffs (CET) on female sanitary products along with baby and adult diapers. This policy move represents an important step forward in advancing public health, gender equity, and social welfare.
While the removal of VAT on female sanitary products was an important initial measure, the retention of tariffs on imported supplies continued to impact affordability for many women and girls. These tariffs, though seemingly minor in individual transactions, collectively contributed to higher prices in the retail market, disproportionately affecting low-income households. By seeking to remove these tariffs, the Government is tackling one of the key structural barriers that prevent equitable access to menstrual hygiene products. This initiative aligns with a broader recognition that menstrual health is not merely a personal concern but a societal issue, closely linked to education, employment, and overall well-being.
The positive implications for women and girls are immediate and tangible. Affordability of sanitary products enables regular use without financial strain, thereby reducing health risks such as infections and complications arising from inadequate menstrual hygiene. More critically, easier access ensures that girls do not miss school during menstruation, which historically has contributed to higher absenteeism rates and interrupted education. For women in the workforce, consistent access prevents disruptions in employment, reinforcing economic participation and independence. By removing tariffs, the state is effectively investing in human capital, strengthening the conditions for educational attainment and workforce productivity.
Beyond the sphere of menstrual health, the proposed tariff removal extends to diapers for both infants and elderly persons. This aspect of the policy has far-reaching social benefits. Families with young children or elderly dependants often face substantial costs for diapers, which are essential for hygiene and dignity. For pensioners and other senior citizens with limited mobility or health challenges, access to affordable diapers supports quality of life, reduces carer burden, and promotes health outcomes by mitigating risks of infections and skin conditions. Such measures demonstrate a holistic approach to social welfare, acknowledging that sanitary products are not solely a women’s issue but a broader public health concern.
Moreover, the planned removal of tariffs requires engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), reflecting a commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration. By navigating the necessary diplomatic and trade mechanisms, the administration will be demonstrating foresight and pragmatism, ensuring that policy reforms are both sustainable and aligned with international trade obligations. Successful removal of these tariffs will serve as a model for other countries in the region, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a leader in progressive public health policy.
The broader social and economic dividends of this initiative extend beyond immediate affordability. Improved access to sanitary products reduces absenteeism, promotes educational continuity, and enhances workforce participation, thereby contributing to the national economy. For families, reduced financial pressure associated with purchasing diapers alleviates household strain, freeing resources for nutrition, healthcare, and other essential expenditures. Collectively, these measures strengthen family resilience, foster gender equality, and support the well-being of vulnerable populations.
It is important to recognise that such reforms carry symbolic weight. Removing financial barriers to essential sanitary items signals that the Government prioritises human dignity, equity, and inclusion.
By expanding access to menstrual hygiene products and essential care items such as diapers, the Government is fostering public health, supporting educational and economic outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for families with children and elderly dependants. This comprehensive approach to social welfare underscores the interconnections between health, gender equity, and economic development and positions Guyana as a nation responsive to the practical needs of its citizens.