Pink Tax A Subtle Price of Gendered Pricing

Today, in 2025, the Pink Tax is still experienced by women all over the world. It is the premium price of goods and services that are sold to women as opposed to the same products being sold to men. Even though it is not a tax in real sense, it is a form of gender-based economic discrimination that is subtle but has an effect on the household budget and financial independence of women.

What Is Pink Tax?

• Governments do not impose the Pink Tax but it is caused by pricing policies of companies .
• Usually found in personal care items, apparel, toys, and in salons.
• E.g. shampoos or razors made of women are more expensive than those of men though they may contain the same ingredients or perform the same functions.

Global Impact

• Originally discovered in Californian state, 1994 .
• In the U.S., the average price of women products is 13 % higher .
• Women in the U.K. pay more attention to such items as deodorants and moisturisers.
• This has been demanded by the United Nations to bring gender-biased pricing to an end in the promotion of economic equality .

Pink Tax in India

• Wireless awareness is poor - 67 % of Indians are ignorant of the notion.
• The GST did not apply to sanitary napkins and tampons in 2018 and lowered the cost of basic items to women.
• Nevertheless, there are still product biases in terms of price, such as clothing, makeup, and hair and beauty services .
• Although unfair pricing has been discouraged by the consumer courts, there is no particular law that prohibits Pink Tax .

How to Avoid Pink Tax

• Use gender-neutral or men products to make a saving.
• Compare unit prices , but not packaging.
• Female / Asian Jalape unisex services vs. gender-priced salons.
• Compare costs through online means .
• Brands which lead on gender-neutral pricing .

Legal and Social Measures

• The laws that specifically target Pink Tax are few in number.
• Consumer courts and lobby groups contribute to the deterrence of the unfair practices.
• Tax exemption on basic goods and creation of awareness to the masses curb its effect.
• Finally, the aspect of equity by consumers may influence businesses which are forced by consumers to adopt fair pricing.