Source: ChildFund New Zealand
In a landmark step the Solomon Islands Government has become the first Pacific country to remove all taxes on menstrual products.
The historic win comes after a year of work by a voluntary team, including ChildFund’s Country Representative Hika Joseph Gone.
The group presented a formal submission to the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Finance in 2024, calling for the removal of nearly 30% in taxes on menstrual products.
Although not officially a ChildFund project, this initiative reflects the organization’s broader commitment to promoting the rights of girls and young women, especially in areas often overlooked – like menstrual health, which often carry stigma or systemic barriers.
“It aligns with our mission to ensure every child, including every girl, has the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and empowered” says Josie Pagani, ChildFund NZ CEO.
“This is more than a policy change – it’s a declaration that menstrual health matters, and that equity, dignity, and access are values worth fighting for,” said Hika Joseph Gone, and the team.
Menstrual hygiene remains a critical but often overlooked issue in the Solomon Islands.
Stigma, lack of access to sanitary products, and poor facilities in schools have led to ongoing challenges for girls’ attendance and performance in education. The removal of taxes is expected to directly improve affordability, school participation, and health outcomes for thousands of girls and women.
ChildFund New Zealand applauds this movement and commends those advocating for it, and the Solomon Islands Government, for taking decisive action. “The Solomon Islands is setting a powerful example for the Pacific.” said Josie Pagani. “We’re incredibly proud of Hika and the team – and we hope to see other Pacific nations follow this example.”
The voluntary team included:
– Gladys Bartlett – UNICEF Ambassador and Team Leader
– Hika Joseph Gone – Country Representative for ChildFund Solomon Islands
– Mary Ramosaea
– Joel Fangalasu
– Catherine Chan.
