The cost of being a woman in Connecticut is too high

~ theraiderpress
Photo by Alison Echeverria-Soto ’26: Razors are one of the many items that are unfairly priced for women.

 By Alison Echeverria-Soto ’26

Did you know women’s razors are 25% more expensive than men’s? Companies should not be overpricing products for women, an issue since the 1990’s.

The term pink tax refers to products marketed specifically towards women. Having women pay more for the same product that is almost identical to a man’s,  just with a more appealing look, is unfair. Thankfully, Connecticut has tried to push for a bill to ban businesses from increasing their prices on products based on gender. If this bill is passed, it can help many families with a large amount of women in them save a lot more money. Connecticut State Senator Dereck Slap stated in an article for CT News, “The goal of this bill would be to educate businesses rather than enforce punitive measures.” Sadly, this bill died in committee, but that doesn’t mean the Senators’ team will not propose it again.

According to CTNews, Slap also wanted prices for the same quality service or item to be equitable between men and women. Slap says, “Women should not pay more for goods and services simply because they are women.” This statement is powerful because women have fought for centuries for the same rights as men, so why not show it with prices and equal pay? This will strengthen our economy since women currently manage the finances of many homes.  

It is hard enough for women already to buy hygiene products and any products targeted to women as the prices have gotten higher over time, especially with inflation. This has impacted many women who cannot afford to buy anything for themselves because of the price. Many feel they have to buy neutral products just for a cheaper price. As a woman myself, I know how challenging it can be to buy products with a very low budget, buying off-brand products just because it’s cheaper. Sadly, because it’s cheaper it doesn’t mean it’ll be the same quality as a more expensive brand would. For example, razors are double the price for women than men because women’s razors have a comfort glide to get a smoother shave around the body. Men’s razors are mostly designed to just shave the face area and have a different type of blade and are less expensive to make. 

It is imperative to continue advocating for our rights and legislating to have fair prices based on the demand for the products under the so-called “Pink Tax.”