The landmark judgement was given by Nepal’s Supreme Court on June 25, 2025, where they ordered the removal of taxes on sanitary pads and ended the four-year struggle, which was initiated by two law students. This verdict makes an important step toward achieving menstrual equity for women in the country, where many women have struggled for a long time with limited access to menstrual hygiene products like sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.
Sanitary pads in Nepal were taxed as non-essential items, which made it expensive for women, especially in rural and marginalised communities. With the average price of imported pads, alternatives were used such as rags, leaves, and old clothes, which contained serious health issues, including infections and reproductive complications.
The imposition of taxes on essential items has long been criticised globally as a form of "tampon tax" or "period poverty tax." Countries like Kenya, India, and the United Kingdom have previously taken steps to reduce these taxes. Nepal’s step places it in the growing nations list that recognises menstruation as an issue of public health, not a privilege.
The Legal Battle
The Supreme Court’s decision goes back to a petition filed in 2021 by two young law students, Shreena Nepal and Abhyudaya Bhetwal, who argued that taking tax on menstrual hygiene products is violating the fundamental rights of every woman. Their arguments on other rights, the right of equality, the right to life, and the right to health. The rights were compromised by the state's tax on sanitary pads.
The petition gained attention from the alliance of women's rights activists and health organisations. The case also highlighted the disconnection between policy-making and the lived realities of Nepali women. In court debates, the petitioners and their supporters highlight that menstruation is not a choice.
In the past years, the case faced many delays, but growing public discussion on menstrual equity, advocacy campaigns, media, and social media platforms kept the Over the years, the case experienced multiple delays. However, growing public discourse around menstrual equity, coupled with advocacy campaigns across media and social platforms, kept the momentum alive.
Impact of the Verdict
The SC’s decision was expected to have implications for a change in taxation policy. It was a conclusion on the reduction in the price of sanitary pads, which made it more affordable for women and girls, especially those who came from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Lower prices are foreseen to encourage domestic manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the production of sanitary pads. With the support from the government and non-governmental organisations, it could promote more sustainable menstrual products in Nepal. Health experts praise the potential to improve menstrual hygiene. Maintaining clean, safe, and affordable sanitary pads for preventing infections, maintaining reproductive health, and reducing absenteeism among school girls and working women. A study by the Nepal Health Research Council found that many school-going girls missed school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of menstrual products and facilities.
Reactions and Statements
The judgment has been met with praise and good responses from the activities, legal experts, and citizens. Women's rights organisations such as Days for Girls Nepal, MenstruAction, and Putali Nepal have called it a victory for women’s menstrual justice and a historic moment for every woman who menstruates. Speaking to the media, the petitioners, who are now practising lawyers, stated, “This is more than just a legal win. It’s a recognition that our bodies, our health, and our dignity matter.” This statement has since gone viral on social media, with thousands of users sharing their personal experiences and support under hashtags like #PeriodTaxFreeNepal and #MenstrualEquityNow.
The Ministry of Health and Population acknowledged the verdict. Some economists and policymakers raised concerns about revenue losses and compensatory adjustments.
Broader Implications for Menstrual Equity
The term "menstrual equity" is not just about sanitary pads; it is about education, safe facilities, healthcare, and goes beyond access to pads. It includes education, safe facilities, healthcare, and breaking the shame of menstruation. Menstruation is a normal, open topic.
By deducting taxes on sanitary pads, Nepal joins countries recognising menstrual health as a public good. This step may lead to bigger changes, such as giving free sanitary pads in colleges, schools, public places, and in rural areas.. Countries like Scotland have made sanitary products free, and activists in Nepal are now pushing for similar policies. In our society, menstruation is still masked in silence and shame, but legal organisations play a significant role in normalising conversations and ensuring that menstruating women are treated with respect and care.
It also needs to increase public awareness. In rural areas, menstruation is still a myth, taboos, and discriminatory practices such as Chhaupadi, in which women are banished from their homes during their menstrual period. Due to a lack of education in some places and cultural change, legal reforms may still have a limited impact.
The Supreme Court’s order to remove taxes on sanitary pads is a historic moment for Nepal, a country where menstruation has been misunderstood. This verdict is not a legal ruling; it is an announcement that menstrual health matters, which can not be taxed, and no girl or woman should choose between her basic hygiene and daily needs.