THE Solomon Islands has abolished all taxes on menstrual products, becoming the first Pacific nation to combat period poverty.
For years, menstrual hygiene has remained 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.
In an article for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Jared Koli described the harsh reality many girls face.
“When the girls get their period, they turn their canoes around and head back home. They have no choice. There are no toilets at school, no safe place to clean up, no soap, and no one to offer support. Many feel embarrassed or ashamed,” he wrote for UNICEF Pacific.
“Teachers, especially male teachers, don’t know how to talk about menstruation or how to help. So, when their period comes, girls miss days of school or stop going altogether.”
Now with the wave of change, the removal of taxes is expected to directly improve affordability, school participation, and health outcomes for thousands of girls and women.
This was achieved as a historic victory after a year’s effort, culminating in a formal submission to the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Finance in 2025, advocating for the removal of nearly 30% in taxes on menstrual products.
The change was driven by Project Period Tax Reform (PTR), a youth-led volunteer initiative founded by five young Solomon Islanders: Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea, Hika Joseph, Catherine Chan, Joel Fangalasuu and Gladys Bartlett.
Working with development organisation ChildFund, PTR has campaigned to make menstrual hygiene products more affordable and accessible nationwide.
Although not officially a ChildFund project, ChildFund New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Josie Pagani said: “This initiative aligns with our mission to ensure every child, including every girl, has the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and empowered.”
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.”
“We’re incredibly proud of Hika and the team – and we hope to see other Pacific nations follow this example.”
ChildFund’s Country Representative, Hika Joseph, and the team shared similar sentiments, stating: “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.”