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After almost two decades of political conflict, Australia finally agreed on Wednesday to abolish its "tax stamps".
When Australia introduced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2000, health products such as condoms and sunscreens were exempt from the 10% tax, as did most foods.
But tampons and other feminine hygiene products were not there.
Since then, the "stamp tax" has attracted widespread fire, labeled "sexist" by militants, and a regular source of quarrels between Canberra and the state and territory governments, which derive revenue from the GST.
In 2000, Australian Health Minister Michael Wooldridge drew a dark trajectory for the tax by suggesting that tampons should not be exempted as they do not "prevent disease".
"As a guy, I would like shaving cream to be exempted, but I did not expect it to be," he told the TV channel. national ABC, provoking a strong reaction from the public.
Years of outcry followed, with "stop taxing my rules!" campaigning and activism by groups such as "menstrual avengers".
Leaders on both sides of politics flirted with the exemption, while others fled, leaving the responsibility to the state and territory governments.
But Wednesday, a meeting of state and territory treasurers unanimously decided to abolish the tax starting in January, giving up the reported $ 30 million (US $ 21.5 million) in annual revenue.
"The GST has a long history on the GST in tampons and feminine hygiene products," Federal Women's Minister Kelly O & # 39; Dwyer told reporters.
"I am very pleased to announce that today, we have succeeded, that states and territories have joined together and that millions of Australian women will benefit."
This decision comes at a precarious moment for the conservative government coalition, which wants to increase its appeal to women in the face of complaints of intimidation and intimidation by women MPs in its ranks.
The complaints reached a crescendo last month during a party uprising that led to the ouster of moderate Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the resignation of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, the highest woman of the government.
New Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resisted calls from his Liberal party to set a quota of women candidates in the upcoming elections, insisting that the party chooses "the best candidate" for the position.
About 20% of Liberal MPs are women, compared to about 45% of the opposition Labor Party, which maintains a quota for female participation.
Australia has finally abolished its "stamp tax", described as sexist by activists
