Gladys Bartlett speaking to students / credit to Solomon Star News Photo: Solomon Star News
After tireless advocacy, the Solomon Islands has become the first country in the Pacific to eliminate all taxes on menstrual products, marking a major step forward in the fight against period poverty.
Now, momentum from this success will carry over to other advocacy efforts, most notably the ongoing 'Make It 18' campaign, which seeks to raise the legal age of marriage from 15 to 18.
The change was driven by Project Period Tax Reform (PTR), a youth-led volunteer initiative founded by five young Solomon Islanders, Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea, Hika Joseph, Catherine Chan, Joel Fangalasuu and Gladys Bartlett.
The PTR team, from left, Hika Joseph Gone, Gladys Bartlett, Catherine Chan, Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea and Joel Fangalasu’u. Photo: Solomon Star News
Working alongside development organisation ChildFund, PTR has campaigned to ensure menstrual hygiene products are more affordable and accessible across the country.
Poor menstrual hygiene has long been a critical issue in the Solomon Islands, affecting not only women's health but also school attendance and academic performance.
In an article for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) , Jared Koli described the harsh reality many girls face.
"When the girls get their period, they turn their canoes around and head back home. They have no choice. There are no toilets at school, no safe place to clean up, no soap, and no one to offer support. Many feel embarrassed or ashamed," he wrote for Unicef Pacific.
"Teachers, especially male teachers, don't know how to talk about menstruation or how to help. So, when their period comes, girls miss days of school or stop going altogether."
The joint campaign focused on reframing menstrual products as essential items, pushing for the removal of import taxes as a means to ease cost barriers, aiding accessibility.
PTR member and ChildFund Solomon Islands country representative Hika Joseph said the push became a reality thanks to the government's willingness to engage and act.
"We had hope because we worked with them (the government) throughout the process," said Joseph. "The decision came to fruition because lawmakers chose to listen to the people of the Solomon Islands."
Joseph said the strategy behind the campaign was carefully approached to be culturally sensitive, especially when addressing students, particularly boys.
Gladys Bartlett and Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea with the KGVI students. Photo: Solomon Star News
"It is still a taboo subject that needs more awareness and public education…this change feels really important to me," said Joseph.
"At ChildFund, where I work, we respect the people and their culture, and this project really aligned with those same values."
Joseph added the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.
"It's more than a legislation change, it's a declaration that mental health matters, and that equity, dignity, and access are values worth fighting for," he said.
"The public are excited to see progress in prices dropping on all menstrual products."
Looking ahead, Joseph said the next step will be continuing to raise public awareness about the reform and its impact.
"The next step is the socialisation of the change so the public can be informed… the learnings from this achievement will also support [us] to advocate to raise the legal age of marriage," he said.
The PTR team is now calling on other Pacific nations to follow suit.
"ChildFund and the advocacy group urge countries across the Pacific to follow in the footsteps of the Solomon Islands government."
