How the ‘Pink Tax’ disadvantages women and what we can do about it

Razors, shampoo, deodorant, but also jeans and even vitamin pills are often a lot more expensive for women than for men. While they are essentially the same products. This has everything to do with the so-called ‘Pink Tax‘.

What is it and, more importantly, what can you do about it? We explain.

Women pay 14 percent more

The’Pink Tax‘ is a term used to describe the fact that many products aimed at women, such as cosmetics, personal care products and clothing, are often more expensive than comparable products for men. It is a form of gender discrimination that penalizes women simply because of their gender.

For example, a New York City Department of Consumer Affairs study found that women pay an average of 7 percent more for clothing, 13 percent more for personal care products, and 8 percent more for toys than men. And a study by the European Commission even showed that women pay an average of 14 percent more for comparable products than men.

Gender neutral razors

The ultimate example is razor blades. At Kruidvat, a razor for men of the house brand with six spare blades costs 5.49 euros. The same pink variant for women, also from the house brand and with six spare blades, costs 6.99 euros. And shaving gel is also subject to Pink Tax. For example, the Venus Satin Care shaving gel for women is 3.39 euros, while the male variant costs only 2.49 euros. That’s how you pay as a woman 25 percent more for the same product.

At HEMA, a retail chain that still presents itself as progressive and was one of the first to come up with a gender-neutral children’s line, you would expect that the prices would not differ. But unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth. A set of five pink disposable razor blades (for women) costs 2 euros at Hema, while the set of 5 grey-green disposable razor blades (men) is 25 cents cheaper.

You can do this against it

The’Pink Tax‘ is not only unfair, it also has major financial consequences for women. The’Pink Tax‘ comes on top of the gender pay gap: women are often paid less than men while doing the same job. So we already earn less and therefore have to pay even more for the same products as men. As a result, we have less money left for other necessary expenses and it can even lead to debt.

What can you do about thePink Taxto fight?

1. Compare prices

Before you buy a product, it is wise to compare the prices. For example, check websites of different stores to see where you can find the same product for the lowest price. This can save you a lot of money and help you become aware of the price differences between men’s and women’s products.

2. Buy gender neutral

Leave the pink products and try to buy as many products as possible that are gender neutral. These are products that are not specifically designed for men or women, but for everyone. This way you avoid unnecessaryPink Tax‘ to pay.

3. Be aware of the ‘Pink Tax’

It is important to be aware of thePink Taxand raise this issue with friends, family and retailers. By making it negotiable and making people aware of it, we can contribute to change and reduce gender inequality in society.

Here’s what we can learn from Iceland (the country with the most gender equality for 9 years)