Georgia women pushing for eradication of ‘period poverty’

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A push to remove a 4% tax on menstrual products failed to pass again in the state legislature.

In Georgia, if a product is considered necessary, the legislature could pass a bill making the products tax-exempt, like groceries and prescriptions.

State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes carried the bill in the Senate. SB 51 would remove the tax, but it never made it to the Senate floor for a vote. The yearly tax collects $7 to 9 million, less than .01% of the state budget.

“The state exempts groceries, sodas and Viagra from the state tax exemption. Why are we not exempting menstrual products? We have elected more women to office and I know most of the women I know, know that we need to pass this bill,” said Islam Parkes.

The National Organization of Women reports the average American woman will pay $18,000 for menstrual products during a lifetime. An added 4% tax adds up to nearly another $1,000 in Georgia.

Sheona Diwakar said a class assignment got her passionate about ending period poverty in her community. She started a nonprofit called Soaring Doves. Instead of a food drive, she hosted a hygiene drive. With the help of her neighbors, she gathered supplies to help 10,000 women.

“Someone said they had to choose between groceries and menstrual products, do I go through this one thing one time a month with dignity or do I not eat,” said Diwakar.

One in five women live in poverty, compared to one in eight men. According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, one in three low-income women report missing school or work because they didn’t have period supplies.

“Here in Georgia, I’d like to see more firm legislation. It’s that one final step to make sure everyone has what they need,” said Diwakar.

Georgia is one of 21 states still taxing period products. Islam Parkes said she’ll present the bill again in 2025.