A woman spends up to 2,600 euros on tampons and pads throughout her life, as shown by a recent survey by the Labor Chamber. In order to ease the financial burden on women and girls, the city will, in the future, offer menstrual products for free pickup at frequently visited facilities. This special financing in the social budget of 2,000 euros per institution was decided today in the Social Committee.
“Menstrual items are a necessity that cannot be easily saved in the family budget. On average, women already earn less (on average just 1,540 euros, please note), so it is right and sensible to provide help in this area”, says the Councilor for Social Affairs, Andrea Brandner. And further: “In the first stage, we are investing 30 thousand euros and, in the future, we are thinking about expanding the offer in schools and other institutions”, says Brandner.
Women’s facilities, resident service centers and youth centers use the special budget to purchase tampons and pads independently and then distribute them to women and girls at a low level. The issue is not linked to the presentation of proof of income or registration forms, but it is completely unbureaucratic.
Menstrual products should be free
Councilor Brandner also calls on the federal government to abolish the current 10% VAT on menstrual products. “As a first step, we are achieving relief for all women and girls, but our goal must be to be able to offer free menstrual products on a widespread basis in the future”, said the councilor.