Pink Tax
The Pink Tax remains a pressing issue in 2025, denoting how women often pay more for similar products or services than men. This subtle form of gender-based price discrimination impacts household budgets globally. Awareness and consumer action are key to challenging this unfair practice.
What Is Pink Tax?
Pink Tax is not an official tax but a pricing pattern. It means women pay higher prices for products or services designed for them. Items like haircuts, toys, personal care products, and clothing often cost more for women. Companies benefit from this extra revenue without contributing additional taxes to governments.
Global Impact of Pink Tax
The term Pink Tax originated in California in 1994. Studies show women’s personal care products cost around 13% more than men’s in the U.S. Women’s clothing and accessories also have higher prices by 7-8%. Dry cleaning women’s shirts can be nearly double the price of men’s. In the U.K., women’s deodorants and moisturisers are priced higher than men’s. The United Nations has urged countries to eliminate this gender-based pricing to promote economic equality.
Pink Tax in India
In India, awareness about Pink Tax is low. Research reveals 67% of Indians are unaware of this issue. The government took a step in 2018 by exempting sanitary napkins and tampons from GST, reducing their cost. However, many other products and services still reflect gender-based price differences. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed companies to avoid unfair pricing practices but no specific law bans Pink Tax.
How to Avoid Pink Tax
Consumers can fight Pink Tax through smart choices. Buying gender-neutral or men’s products can save money. Comparing prices per unit rather than packaging helps identify better deals. Bargaining at salons or choosing unisex services can reduce extra charges. Online shopping allows price comparison between men’s and women’s variants. Supporting gender-neutral brands and consumer advocacy groups encourages fair pricing.
Legal and Social Measures
Though no direct legislation targets Pink Tax in many countries, consumer courts promote fair pricing. Public awareness campaigns and government actions like tax exemptions on essential women’s products help address the issue. Market pressure from informed consumers can force companies to adopt gender-neutral pricing policies.
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