The South African Finance Minister lifted the 15% VAT on menstrual hygiene products in early 2019. Although this was instrumental in reducing the cost of menstrual hygiene products, I think that the biological necessity of such products demands that they should be completely free. The cost of menstrual hygiene products can be considered gender-based discrimination. Many womxn (almost 50%) in South Africa experience "period poverty"- meaning that they face a lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand washing facilities and/or waste management. Moreover, many school-aged womxn are forced to miss school due to this lack of access. The cumulative effects of period poverty are often financial, ultimately hindering the opportunities of womxn on a grand scale. Access to free menstrual hygiene products it also essential for the preservation of dignity and empowerment for womxn across the board. It is of my opinion that free menstrual hygiene products should be stocked at schools, university campuses, workplace environments, public restrooms, and should also be available at all pharmacies free of charge.