It's time we sit down and have a chat about The Pink Tax, and what it means to women.

The Pink Tax is a broad term that refers to the extra amount that women pay for certain items and services. Dry cleaning, vehicle work, and health and hygiene products are included in the things women pay more for. And on average women already make less than men. So not only are we making less, but we're paying more for the things we need, such as tampons and other feminine hygiene products.

An article from Forbes in 2012 states that women paid an extra $1,351 in fees in California alone.

That was six years ago, and prices have only risen, so the number now could be even higher. A 2015 study put on by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs that compared products, brands, and prices. Their results showed that on average women/girl targeted objects were on average 7% higher than males. Drying cleaning for women's clothing costs more. Deodorant and pain relievers directed towards women are higher priced.

Even something as simple as razors can end up being costlier for women. The U.S. currently has no law against gender-based discrimination for sales.

California, New York, and the Miami-Dade County in Florida are the only to place in the U.S. to have passed laws preventing that type of discrimination.

A more well-known aspect of The Pink Tax is the Tampon Tax issue.

The Tampon Tax refers to the luxury tax that is placed on tampons and other feminine hygiene products in some states. Only nine states currently exempt menstrual products from state sales tax, with three of those states passing that legislation this year. Viagra is not considered a luxury item. Should something that so many consider to be a basic need be taxed the same way as Viagra? Viagra is not taxed as it is an over the counter prescription, but one still has to wonder in that sort or priority being put on something that is not necessary.

The taxes on feminine hygiene products are not a special tax placed on, them just to be clear, but for something already quite pricey and so needed it is confusing. There are products that are considered the basic necessities and are therefore tax exempt. Since when was menstruation a choice? And since when were the products needed at that time, not a necessity?

Being aware is one of the first steps towards change.

By knowing what is going on and understanding why we are giving ourselves the power to help make that change. Whether you read an article on Facebook and share it, you petition in front of your lawmakers, or you simply tell a friend about a topic they might not know much about - you are helping that change.

We're looking past the pink and into the future for women in so many areas, and this is only a start.