Sheffield City Council is leading the way in raising awareness and action on menopause and period poverty with its work towards a Period Equality Charter for the city.

Since Labour’s Period Equality and Menopause motion passed unanimously at Council in November 22, work has continued with a coalition of groups and individuals including irise, Yula, Shipshape, Chula, GMB, Chella Quint, Power over periods, Love Your Period and Dr Maria Tomlinson.

Cllr Jayne Dunn, Labour Councillor for Southey said:

‘Period poverty is a serious issue for women in our city which disproportionately affects disadvantaged and minority ethnic groups. Women and girls are struggling to afford period products and this has to stop – we have to end period poverty, shame and inequality once and for all’

After hearing how VAT on period products disproportionately affects those with special educational needs and disabilities; Period Poverty campaigner Cllr Jayne Dunn co-signed a letter to Government last year calling for the abolition of VAT on period pants.

Today the government has announced it is dropping VAT on period pants.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Jayne Dunn, Deputy Lord Mayor said:

‘I’m delighted the government has finally heard the calls from the wonderful organisations, campaigners, women and girls across the country to drop this sexist, discriminatory tax.’