Scotland Makes Period Products Free!
By: Sagel Provancher
Published: March 21, 2021
As of January 12, 2021, Scotland became the first country to make all period products free for all menstruators. The Period Products (Free Provision) Bill was first introduced in April of 2019 by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, a Scottish politician that has been campaigning to end period poverty for the last five years. Due to her work, this bill now requires the government to allow anyone who needs period products to get them free of charge. In addition, all schools, colleges, and universities are also required to provide free period products in their bathrooms. From the bill, the Scottish government has used millions of pounds to fund schools, colleges, and universities to provide tampons, pads, and other reusable products. Four million pounds were also used to provide feminine hygiene products in public places such as sports clubs. As an act of “goodwill,” the owners of many pubs and restaurants are also providing sanitary products in their restrooms for free.
You may ask, why does period poverty even matter and how does it affect people? “Period poverty is when those on low incomes can’t afford, or access, suitable period products” (Diamond). According to a study done by Plan International UK, 10% of girls in the UK are unable to afford sanitary products and an additional 15% have struggled to afford sanitary products. Menstruators all over the world often feel embarrassed by their periods and by buying sanitary products for themselves. They are uncomfortable discussing their periods with teachers and parents due to the stigma surrounding the topic.
This bill spurred conversations in government chambers that are often ignored. According to NPR, “members of the Scottish Parliament discussed endometriosis and heavy bleeding, why toilet paper and bins for menstrual products are required in restrooms, and the...support the legislation had drawn from both men and women.” Many of these topics are rarely spoken about if ever, but this bill is changing circumstances all across Scotland.
Blog Source: BBC.com
Image Source: money.yahoo.com