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Access to free mensural products is now a legally enshrined right in the country…
Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products completely free for its residents. Passing the the Period Products Act yesterday, the law was unanimously agreed upon by Scottish Parliament, and offers products such as tampons and pads free of cost at select locations. Access to free period products is now a legally enshrined right in the country.
Starting this week, free menstrual products will be available in places like pharmacies and community centers, in a move that is said to boost both education and economic stability for those in need. In addition to minimising ‘period poverty’ by affording access to those unable to pay for the products, the act is also set to alleviate cost of living pressures experienced in Scotland and across the world.
Free period products are now available locally for anyone who needs them in #Shetland.
Read more here https://t.co/RHh5QV2w7a#FreePeriodProducts #PeriodPoverty pic.twitter.com/3IIThcmrWh— Shetland Islands Council (@ShetIslandsCll) August 15, 2022
Monica Lennon, a Scottish parliamentarian who campaigned for the law, said the move will also help to destigmatize periods. “It was about showing, through practical politics, that we can make a difference,” Lennon said, “and that women, girls and people who menstruate can feel valued.”
The new legislation means that Scotland is the only country to offer free period products on a large scale, with others like New Zealand and Kenya currently providing them for free at public schools only. On average, Australians spend nearly $10,000 on period products in their lifetime, forking out just under $20 per month.
Proud of what we have achieved in Scotland. We are the first but won’t be the last. 🏴🩸🙌#PeriodDignity #FreePeriodProducts #MenstrualJustice follow @Period_Poverty for updates. https://t.co/8bFTML3MkK
— Monica Lennon MSP (@MonicaLennon7) August 15, 2022
In 2019, Victoria became the first state or territory in Australia to provide free sanitary products to all students in state schools. Providing hope that the rest of the world might catch on, Lenon Tweeted yesterday that Scotland “won’t be the last” country to enshrine such laws.
