Growing up in New Zealand, we have seen countless women struggle with something as simple and essential as access to period products. Did you know that 1 in 2 Kiwi women have reported facing financial barriers when it comes to purchasing sanitary products? For something so crucial, no one should have to decide between their basic needs and other essentials due to tax burdens.

Period products are not luxury items; they are necessities, just like food and medicine. Yet, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to them suggests otherwise, unfairly inflating the costs. Consider the young student who misses school because they can't afford pads or tampons, or the single mother who stretches her budget already and still falls short at the end of the month. These are real stories from our country, stories that highlight an urgent need for change.

Countries across the globe have recognized the burden this tax places on menstruators, with nations like Canada, India, and the UK successfully removing taxes on period products. It's time for New Zealand to join them, to stand up and acknowledge that menstrual equity should be a right, not a privilege.

Removing the GST from period products in New Zealand is not just about fairness; it's about ensuring every woman and menstruator in our country can live with dignity. We urge the New Zealand government to take immediate action and demonstrate true leadership in promoting women's health and equality.

By signing this petition, you are standing in solidarity with millions who are unfairly burdened by this tax. Together, we can urge the government to make a change that will positively impact women across the country.