BASES supports the #PeriodsAreNotAPenalty campaign

BASES is supporting WUKA, the UK’s #1 reusable period underwear brand, to support their latest campaign: Periods Are Not a Penalty.

Last year, following five years of campaigning, the government responded to calls to remove VAT on period underwear. However, period swimwear and sportswear are still subject to 20% tax. With tampons, pads and now underwear VAT exempt, it is only logical and fair to extend this to period sportswear.

Through WUKA’s work with schools and as official period partners of Welsh Rugby Union, Watford FC and Scottish Gymnastics, they know the burden of managing periods, coupled with the additional cost of specialised sportswear, deters many from staying active. Research from https://womeninsport.org/ show 78% of girls avoid sports during their periods, and 65% drop out of sports by age 16—double the rate of boys. This significant issue affects women and girl's participation in sport and creates unnecessary social, physical and financial barriers, particularly young athletes with periods.

The campaign urges the UK government to extend the VAT exemption to all period sportswear, and BASES has become one of the first signatories in their open letter, which can be found here.

You can read more about the campaign here, and you can sign up to the open letter here (half-way down the web page).