The term ‘pink tax’ refers to the additional cost charged to women for items or services just because they are women. It is a burden on women’s purses, robbing them of their purchasing power. According to a research conducted by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, women’s products cost 7% more than men’s, and women spend $1,351 more per year on personal care products alone than men.

The pink tax isn’t just a feminist issue; it’s also an economic one. It is unjust to expect women to pay more for ordinary products and services such as shaving creams, deodorants, dry cleaning, and haircuts. Women pay more for the same high-quality goods and services that men do, leaving them with less money to spend on other things or save for the future. To make matters worse, women of color are typically disproportionately affected by the
‘pink tax’. According to a research conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, products marketed with a racial or ethnic appeal, such as hair care products aimed at Black women, were substantially more expensive than identical products offered to the broader population.

The pink tax is more than just a problem of pricing equity; it reflects how society views women. It gives the message that women are entitled to pay extra for the same things simply because they are female. It is past time for corporations to step up and take action to end the pink tax. They should be held accountable for their pricing methods, and consumers should vote with their wallets by purchasing goods and services from companies who have pledged to stop doing so. It is not fair for women to continue to pay more for the identical things that males can get
for less money from the shelves. The pink tax is a societal issue that must be addressed. The moment has arrived for women to demand price fairness for all goods and services. Let’s work together to create a future in which all genders have equitable access to products and services.