The Scottish government said it became the first in the world to legally protect the right to access free period products when its Period Products Act came into force Monday.
According to reports, Scotland will become the first country in the world to protect the right to free menstruation products with the implementation of a new law. Councils and educational institutions in Scotland will be obligated by law to supply free period products to anyone who needs them, according to a statement issued by the Scottish government on Sunday.
The Period Products Act of Scotland
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The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill was unanimously approved by MSPs in November 2020. Labour MSP Monica Lennon, who has been working to eradicate period poverty since 2016, introduced the bill.
Monica Lennon said, “Local authorities and partner organizations have worked hard to make the legal right to access free period products a reality. This is another big milestone for period dignity campaigners and grassroots movements which shows the difference that progressive and bold political choices can make.”
“As the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, the Period Products Act is a beacon of hope which shows what can be achieved when politicians come together for the good of the people we serve,” she continued.
Shona Robinson, Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary said, “Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity and removes the financial barriers to accessing them. We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action.” She also stated that the ongoing costs of living often force people to make “difficult decisions.”
Nicola Sturgeon, who is the First Minister of Scotland, took to Twitter to applaud the decision. She tweeted– “Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, making Scotland the first country in the world to provide free period products for all who need them.”
Developments with the Act
Now, educational institutions must stock their lavatories with a selection of free period products.
Along with offering free goods, the government has improved menstrual health resources for schools and financed an instructional website for employers. The government has also successfully carried out an anti-stigma campaign.
Additionally, PickupMyPeriod is a mobile app developed by the social enterprise “Hey Girls” with funding from the Scottish government.