Pink Tax 2025: Why Women Pay More for the Same

What is Pink Tax ?

The issue of Pink Tax is in the news as it highlights the gender-based price discrimination where products and services targeted at women cost more than similar products for men. Though not an actual tax, it silently impacts household budgets and reflects economic inequality. 

Key Points: What is Pink Tax?

Not a real tax, but a pricing phenomenon where women pay extra for gender-targeted products and services.

• Examples include:

• Haircuts and salon services
• Pink toys and accessories
• Razors, shampoos, lotions, deodorants
• Clothing like T-shirts and jeans
• Dry-cleaning services

The price hike is often due to marketing tactics, not actual production costs.

Global Perspective:

Origin of term: U.S., California (1994).

Studies reveal:

• Women’s personal care products are 13% costlier than men’s.
• Women’s clothing 7-8% costlier.
• Dry cleaning of women’s shirts is 90% more expensive.

In the U.K.:

• Women’s deodorant 8.9% costlier.
• Women’s facial moisturizer 34.28% costlier.

United Nations (2017): Urged countries to end gender-based price discrimination to promote equal economic participation.

Pink Tax in India:

Awareness is low:

• A study by IFSA found 67% of Indians unaware of the Pink Tax.

2018 GST reform:

• Sanitary napkins and tampons were exempted from 12% GST, highlighting gender pricing issues.

Consumer protection:

• NCDRC ruling: Companies must follow fair pricing policies and avoid gender-based discrimination.

Impact:

• Women often earn less than men, so paying more worsens economic inequality.
• Adds an unseen burden on household finances, especially in families where women are not working.

Ways to Avoid Pink Tax:

• Choose gender-neutral or men’s variants of products.
• Compare unit prices (per ml or gram) before buying.
• Opt for unisex salons or negotiate for fair pricing.
• Research gender-neutral brands and support consumer advocacy groups.
• Check e-commerce platforms for price differences before purchasing.