This post is also available in: Français (French) العربية (Arabic)
This post is also available in: Français (French) العربية (Arabic)
Period poverty is a harsh reality for many women in Montenegro. The average price for menstrual products is between: 1.39 and 3 euros for hygienic pads and 2.95 and 3.55 for a small pack of tampons. For many women, this cost is a significant expense they cannot afford.
One in 4 women, or 25% of women in Montenegro, report that they cannot afford basic menstrual hygiene products. These products are also subject to 21% VAT.
Only one political party has so far proposed reducing this VAT to 7%, but the proposal has not yet been addressed by lawmakers.
It is time to ensure all women have access to menstrual products. It is time to end menstrual poverty.
Paula Petričević is a philosopher, feminist, human rights and peace activist. She graduated with a philosophy degree and holds a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Belgrade. She worked as program director in the “Centre for Civic Education” in Podgorica and as a lecturer at the “Alternative Women Studies Programme” organized by “Anima – Centre for Women and Peace Education” in Kotor. She has published several articles covering a wide range of gender-related issues. She was a columnist in the daily newspaper “Vijesti” between 2010 and 2017. She currently works as a philosophy professor in Gymnasium in Kotor and as an ombudswoman at both “Vijesti” and the independent weekly magazine “Monitor”.
© 2023 Medfeminiswiya - Mediterranean Network for Feminist Information
© 2023 Medfeminiswiya - Mediterranean Network for Feminist Information