‘Pink tax’

It is 2025, yet women are still paying more simply for existing. The ‘pink tax’ – the sneaky extra cost on products marketed to women – remains a frustrating reality. From razors to deodorants and even basic healthcare products, women are charged higher prices than men for essentially the same items. In Pakistan, the problem runs deeper. Many fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands add Rs10 to Rs25 more to items specifically designed for women, even though there is no real difference in quality or ingredients.

This unfair pricing is not just an economic issue. Women already face a wage gap, societal barriers and financial constraints, yet they are expected to spend more on daily essentials. The ‘pink tax’ is yet another example of how gender-based discrimination is embedded into our daily lives. It is time for policymakers and businesses to take responsibility. Essential items, especially hygiene products, should be tax-free and brands should be held accountable for discriminatory pricing.

Tahreem Aziz

Karachi