Student Union Campaigns: Stop This Bloody Disgrace

My name is Emily Nicholls, and I am the new Student Union Campaigns Officer. My job is to let Hereford College of Arts know about the important campaigns going on, and what they should be aware of, as well as helping any students with campaigns of their own.

The current campaign (November 2015) is ‘Stop This Bloody Disgrace’ – I’m sure by now you will have seen the bright yellow and pink posters around College Road and Folly Lane.

Our government see sanitary products as a non-essential/ luxury item… as many women out there will tell you, periods are no luxury. Sanitary products are essential for those who need them. What some of you may not know about the “Period Tax” is that it used to be a lot higher, from 1973 at 17.5%, but in 2001 it was reduced to 5%, which is a pretty good jump, but this is not the result that we want – and it’s not good enough for those of us who menstruate.

Some of the things that aren’t taxed by the UK Government:
• Jaffa Cakes (Although we all love a good Jaffa Cake)
• Exotic meat, such as Crocodile and Kangaroo meat (As we know these meats are an everyday essential to our survival…not!)
• Helicopters, as well as the repair and maintenance to any aircrafts (Because this is an essential to all of us normal folk!)
• Alcoholic Jellies (Who doesn’t love a good vodka Jelly at a house party?)

Just think about that for a second…Then think about how and why our Government has the right to cash in on women’s monthly cycles.

We want as much support as possible…not just from women but also from men!

PLEASE JOIN US IN OUR CAMPAIGN!

You can help to support this worthy cause via Twitter @HerefordSU and by signing and sharing the petition.

Emily